Lucera

About

Settled since the Bronze Age, the ancient city of Lucera was an important Roman settlement, and in the Middle Ages, home to Italy’s last major Muslim community. After the city was sacked by Charles II of Naples, most of the Muslims were slaughtered or sold into slavery, with many of their mosques being cannibalised to build churches. Today, the charming Old Town is still surrounded by its medieval wall, and is filled with medieval monuments, such as the Swabian Fortress, the Sanctuary of San Francesco, the Cathedral, and the Palazzo Valletta, with its elegant interior. Visitors can also head to the Roman Amphitheatre, which could seat 18,000 people, or the Civic Museum for a look at the city’s ancient heritage.