History of Gargano

The history of the Gargano is a fascinating journey into the memories of a territory that is unique in terms of conformation and tradition. Gargano is the spur of Puglia and is like a large green lung that oxygenates the area. Surrounded by the waters of the Adriatic Sea and bordered by the Tavoliere delle Puglie, it is an area rich in history and nature. It is in fact a territory with boundless landscapes: cliffs overlooking the sea, mosaics of crystalline lakes, postcard beaches and much more… An eternal surprise! If you choose to visit southern Italy, this is a must-see. Let’s discover the history of the Gargano together!

The origins and history of the name “Gargano”

The name Gargano is of uncertain origin but over time some theories have been formulated regarding its meaning. Michelangelo Maniconi, a philosopher and naturalist born in Vico del Gargano, claims that the name derives from the Phoenician Gargaro, which means “high mountain or stony mountain”, given the geological conformation of the territory. The poet Virgil instead refers to the promontory calling it “Nemeton Garganicum”, Gargano forest. The word Nemeton has a sacred meaning and indicated the sanctuary where the Celts practiced their cults. In fact, the origins of the name Gargano seem to date back to the Celtic population, whose presence was testified by the inscriptions on the tombstones dating back to the VII-VI century BC. They are still kept in the museum of Manfredonia, which represent combat scenes in which the warriors wear Celtic helmets. There is speculation that the Celts worshiped the god Gargano or Gargantua, who was considered the son of the Gallic sun god Belenos. However, we don’t get much information about this character. It is thought he was known for his benevolence, large build and for being a good taster. Very often this deity has been associated with the mythological figure of Hercules.

At the beginning of the history of the Gargano

The beginning of human activities in the spur of Italy dates back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages. Over time, numerous testimonies of anthropic activities have been found, such as the frescoes of rock paintings in red ocher inside the Paglicci cave, located in Rignano Garganico.

Also on the shores of Lake Varano, located on the northern coast of the Gargano peninsula, lithic artefacts have been found, evidence of the activities of a civilization that settled in this area due to the abundant presence of flint, a material useful for the manufacture of tools and weapons.

The first inhabited centers of the Gargano

During the Metal Age, the promontory was a place where its inhabitants implemented a process of modernization of agricultural and livestock activities. This has favored a great demographic development. In fact, in this period the first inhabited centers arose such as the hut settlement of Mannaccora beach near Peschici. The Daunica population also settled in the Gargano, whose presence is testified by the Necropolis of Monte Saraceno in Mattinata and by the discovery of numerous steles (stone or marble slabs with a funeral and commemorative function). Subsequently, in late antiquity the Christian communities favored the formation of ancient places of worship such as the “La Salata” necropolis of Vieste and that of Monte Pucci near Peschici. These are the places where the most important centers such as Devia (San Nicandro Garganico), Varano and Monte Sant’Angelo were formed in the Middle Ages.

Why choose the Gargano for holidays

In conclusion, the Gargano is a territory with a thousand facets. Center of historical events, heart of art and religion, a place that could be written about for centuries. To get to know it better, you just have to visit it: you will be enchanted by its beauty.