Frederick II the Swabian, puer Apuliae...

“At that time died Frederick, the greatest among the Princes on earth, stupor mundi and wonderful innovator”.

This is the Matteo da Parigi's quote reported on the above monument donated by German turists, who visited Castelfiorentino (Foggia). 

Castelfiorentino is the place where Frederick passed away.

It is located in north of Apulia, close to Torremaggiore (Foggia).

Nowdays, Castelfiorentino does not exist anymore.

Are left just the ruins of what once was a catle, one of the hundreds built up by the Swabian in the South of Italy.

Frederick was born in Jesi (Marche) the 26th of December 1194. 

He was defined puer Apuliae (Apulian boy) though.

Frederick spoke six languages: Latin, Arabic, Sicilian. German, French and Greek.

He grew up in Palermo, a city in which he got familiar with several cultures.

At that time, the Pope declared war to the Muslims who lived on the Holy land.

Crusade after crusade, the Vatican had in its hands the destiny of the European kingdoms.

Nevertheless, Frederick went to Jerusalem not before having dealt peaceful  agreemends with the Al-Malik Al-Kamil.
Sultan of Jerusalem

Friederick married one of his daughter.

Frederick had four spouses, however, Bianca Lancia was his favourite.

Bianca Lancia gave birth to Manfredi, who actually became his successor.

Frederick II died the 13th of December 1250.

Manfredi, his son, will rule for few more years.

The Swabians will be wiped out by the Pope, who will then impose its power over the South of Italy through the Angevins, French. 

The Holy Inquisition was ready to begin its bloody job in Europe.

Medieval festivals are held in Apulian cities such as Altamura, Manfredonia, Brindisi, Oria, Lucera to remember the Swabian.

Stupor mundi will never be forgotten by Apulians.

Lucera, an Arabic town of the Middle Age

Today I am going to narrate Lucera, a city in the province of Foggia.

Lucera, located on three hills, has always played a strategic role of door to the Tavoliere delle Puglie.

Archaeological excavations proved the fact that the area was inhabited since the 3^rd millennium BC.

However, Lucera became very important under the Roman rule.

In 321 BC,  the Roman army while moving to Lucera to assist their allies, walked into an ambush and were defeated by the Samnites at the battle of Caudine Forks.

However, it is in the middle age that Lucera turns into something unique in the history of Europe: an Arabic city.

How did it happen?

Frederick II the Swabian, in order to tackle the Arabic uprisings in Sicily, transferred many of them to Lugêrah (as it was pronounced in Arabic).

The Swabian guaranteed them freedom of religion.

Luceria Saracinorum became a prosperous town.

Vito Salierno, who wrote I Musulmani in Puglia e Basilicata (ed. Lacaita, 2000), states that the Arabics living in Lucera were around 40.000.

The Arabics were great artisans. 

They used to work leather and Arabic-Sicilian ceramic. 

Additionally, they grew olive trees, durum wheat, barley, legumes and grapes. Muslims also kept bees for honey.

The Arabics became the most faithful fighters under the Swabians.

I am so fascinated by this story that once in Lucera, I investigate about the remains of the Arabic age. 

A gentle lady, who works for the tourist information helped me a lot on this.

I keep walking, following the indications.

First of all, I see the immense Swabian-Angevin fortress.

Inside, there is a small Arabic castle where Frederick II used to rest, surrounded by his court.

After having left the fortress, I head to what was supposed to be the Harem of Luceria Saracinorum.

Nowadays, it is a church.

The Mosque was located where now the cathedral is. 

The Angevins destroyed it.

Then, I see two Arabic towers, incorporated by newest buildings.

While quickly moving to the Archaeological Museum, I realize that many people in Lucera have Arabic features.

The Museum is rich of Daunian and Roman objects.

However, I am there mainly to view the exhibition related to the Arabic age.

When, I see them, I feel all the beauty and the richness of this land, where so many civilizations have left important proofs of themselves.

I begin talking with an enchanted visitor.“you know, once I found in Italy a golden ring and small statue” he confides to me. “I can not describe you what I felt when I found them” he adds.

He is an admirer of the Arabic art.

I get out the Museum with great thoughts.

I stop by a restaurant for a quick lunch. So, I decide to order a bottle of local Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera.

A great red wine, with intense flavors.

This wine is made from Uva di Troia grape (35-60%), with the addition of Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, which collectively make up between 25-35% of the blend.

In terms of food, I have a wide range of healthy dishes, typical of the peasant cuisine.

Therefore, I go for cikatielle k’a rukele e k’i fenucchjette (homemade pasta with few fresh tomatoes, local rocket and a pinch of aromatic herb name finocchietto.

I finish this post not before having mentioned an immense Italian actor, Massimo Troisi.

He has shot the movie Le vie del Signore sono finite here in Lucera.







Ciao Massimo

R.I.P