Geographically closer to the regions of Molise and Campania than to Puglia’s world-famous subregion of Salento, this little village with a very long name is still very much in Puglia. There is a huge chance you have never heard of it and an even bigger chance that before stumbling upon this article, you would have never considered visiting it. And it’s precisely for these reasons that we think you should make the effort to see it.

Nestled amidst the picturesque Dauni Mountains in Italy’s Puglia region, Pietramontecorvino enchants visitors with its rich history and captivating beauty. Earning its place among the “Borghi Più Belli d’Italia” (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), this charming village offers a glimpse into a bygone era.

Step Back in Time in Terravecchia

Pietramontecorvino’s heart throbs within the “Terravecchia” (Old Town). Imagine yourself traversing a maze of narrow, winding alleys, their smooth stones whispering tales of centuries past. Towering above these lanes are unique houses built partially into the rock face, a testament to the village’s ingenious past.

Architectural Gems Await

Dominating the skyline is the imposing Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace), a 13th-century masterpiece that speaks volumes about Pietramontecorvino’s noble heritage. Explore its grand halls, courtyards, and rooftop garden, each space whispering stories of bygone eras.

Another architectural marvel is the Chiesa Madre di Santa Maria Assunta (Mother Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption). Although numerous subsequent renovations have taken place over the centuries, part of the original twelfth-century church remains. Admire the intricate portal and loggia adorning its facade. The 30-meter-tall bell tower cupola is covered in elegant green and yellow majolica tiles. Step inside to discover a treasure trove of art, with altars and paintings reflecting the village’s deep spiritual heritage.

History buffs will be particularly drawn to the Torre Normanna (Norman Tower). This formidable structure, a legacy of the Norman rule in southern Italy, stands as a stoic sentinel, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

Beyond the Village Walls

Pietramontecorvino’s allure extends beyond its historic center. Breathe in the fresh air and immerse yourself in the beauty of this rather remote area of Italy. In under an hour by car, you can reach the Daunia Adventure Park at Pescara Lake which offers ropes courses, hiking and mountain biking trails, orienteering, and much more.
Visit the Daunia Adventure Park’s official website (in Italian only)

By this point, even though we have made a very convincing argument about this under-explored inland area of Puglia, you still cannot help but wonder how long it will take you to reach this region’s impossibly turquoise sea. Vieste (pictured below) is about a 2-hour drive, whereas Termoli (in the bordering Molise region) is just an hour and a half.

A Feast for the Senses

No visit to Pietramontecorvino is complete without indulging in the region’s culinary delights. Salami known as n’nogghj in local dialect is a deep red color (from the abundance of peperoncino) made from a local variety of pork. Equally delicious is their version of capocollo, cured with an arduous process with rewarding results. Cheeses to try include caciocavallo podolico and the rare find, Manteca. Pair these rich flavors with the province of Foggia’s three DOC label wines: Aleatico di Puglia, Dauni IGT, and Puglia IGT.

Pietramontecorvino is more than just a collection of sights; it’s a captivating journey through time. So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to be enchanted by this hidden gem in Puglia.