Lesina (commune)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Comune di Lesina
Coat of arms of Comune di Lesina
Municipal coat of arms

Location of Lesina in Italy
Country Flag of Italy Italy
Region Puglia
Province Foggia (FG)
Area 159 km² (61 sq mi)
Population (as of 2004-12-31)
 - Total 6,286
 - Density 40/km² (104/sq mi)
Time zone CET, UTC+1
Coordinates 41°46′N, 15°26′E
Gentilic Lesinesi
Dialing code 0882
Postal code 71010
Frazioni Ripalta
Patron San Primiano Martire, San Firmiano Martire, Maria Santissima Annunziata
 - Day May 15

Lesina is a town and comune on the northern side of Monte Gargano in the province of Foggia in the Puglia region of southeast Italy.

Lesina lies on the northern side of Gargano and on the shores of the lake with the same name. It is, par excellence, a maritime village known for the production of (female) eels. The site, populated since the Neolithic era, is extremely fascinating: a narrow strip of land covered with sandy dunes and little woods, separating the lake from the sea, which creeps into its waters through three canals. Thanks to the salinity of its waters, the eels of Lesina Lake are appreciated everywhere and requested by the major chefs.

Devio hill, only 252 meters high, divides the two lakes, Lesina and Varano, and some findings of the Neolithic era have been found there. Lesina, built after the immigration of Dalmatian fishers, and known to Romans as Alexina, was often afflicted by earthquakes and sea flooding, and its population decimated by malaria.

The hot waters of Caldoli stream, not very far and near San Nazario Sanctuary, testify its volcanic activities. Today Lesina keeps its ancient fascination: the old village with its impressive Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace dating back to 1200 and a walk on the lakefront brings us back to times in which the village only lived for fishing.