Monti Dauni

Bovino, Italy

Monti Dauni: where we are and how to reach us
The Monti Dauni are located in southern Italy, precisely in the Puglia region, of which they constitute the most authentic territory, as it is not a destination for mass tourism.
 
The authentic soul of Puglia
A different and unexpected destination compared to the rest of the region, guardian of an extraordinary variety of colors and emotions: let yourself be seduced by the soft profile of the mountains that blush kissed by the setting sun, enchanted by the rustle of the leaves moved by the wind or by the song of the fresh streams protected by luxuriant woods.
The Monti Dauni are characterized by the presence of medieval villages, whose skylines are often dominated by the profiles of castles and churches, where the squares can be reached by crossing cobbled streets where the hooves of the steeds of knights and pilgrims still resonate.
Photo: View of Faeto and Celle di San Vito - credit: Luigi Casoria

Archeology and history
On Monti Dauni it is possible to follow an ideal itinerary that from village to village and from agro to agro leads us to discover the traces of the presence of an ancient people, the Dauni, and then of Rome and the signs left by the Byzantines, Normans and Swabians, from Templars and Crusaders, Angevins and Aragonese, shepherds and brigands.
Between archaeological excavations from every era, ancient abandoned cities, museums with wonderful finds, castles, towers and fortresses, this is a true paradise for history buffs.
Photo: Grifoni - P. Rosario Museum - Ascoli Satriano - credits. Niki Dell’Anno

Cults and culture
The soul of Monti Dauni rich in memories and rituals that combine the sacred and the profane, passing through pilgrimages, art festivals, cultural events, through legends, beliefs, superstitions, etc ...
They range from the many fires lit at various times of the year to coincide with the changes of seasons and in honor of the deceased loved ones, of Sant'Antonio Abate, of San Sebastiano or of San Giuseppe to pilgrimages often in devotion to the Madonna.
Each period of the year offers a deeper and more authentic experience of knowledge of the local culture.
Photo: Feast of Sant’Alberto - Pietramontecorvino - credit: Luigi Casoria
 
Nature and Adventure
Sweet and rugged reliefs, valleys drawn by the course of rivers and streams, surrounded by the ruins of ancient mills, woods with thick vegetation, furrowed by paths and enriched by the presence of centuries-old oaks and then ... beech woods and lakes, high pastures and breathtaking views .
The Monti Dauni are an unmissable destination for lovers of nature and outdoor sports: from trekking to acrobatic routes in adventure parks.
Photo: Archery - Bosco di Biccari - credit Niki Dell’Anno
​
Food and wine
The spontaneous fruits of the earth, cured meats, cheeses, dairy products, fresh pasta, lioliuo, wine, baked goods, traditional recipes…. All precious pleasures for the palate.
A journey into taste, from cellar to cellar, from restaurant to restaurant .... Let yourself be enveloped by seductive and unmistakable flavors!
Photo: Cheeses and Cured Meats - credit Get Local
 
The experiences
Food and wine tours? Guided tours in the villages? A traditional cooking workshop? Hiking in the woods? Traditional music festival? Sleeping in a castle or in a tree? Find out how olive oil is produced? Dine in a cellar? These are some of the many experiences that the Dauni Mountains offer and that you can find on the website / app www.visitmontidauni.it , as well as accommodation facilities, restaurants, companies and local products.