In the province of Foggia, at the heart of the Dauni Sub-Apennines, sits one of inland Puglia’s most representative villages. Biccari has turned its geographical remoteness into a strength through experiential tourism, social innovation and the promotion of its historical heritage.
Though far from the main tourist circuits, this small town has developed an identity that can appeal to visitors and new residents from around the world, helped by its Case a 1 euro scheme. With practical incentives, unspoilt countryside and locally rooted food, the village of Biccari is an example of inland Italy finding new life.
Where Biccari is and how to get there
Biccari is a village of just over 2,500 residents, set 450 metres above sea level in the Dauni Mountains. It looks out over the Tavoliere plain on one side, with woodland and mountains on the other. It lies around 30 km from Foggia and an hour’s drive from the Adriatic coast. The nearest seaside resort is Manfredonia, on the Adriatic shoreline, approximately 60 km away.
Those travelling to Biccari by car can use the SS655 Bradanica state road. Visitors arriving in Foggia, which has rail links with the rest of Italy, can continue to the village by bus or hire car. The most convenient airport is Foggia’s Gino Lisa Airport, roughly 50 km away. The journey from Bari is around 150 km.
What to see in and around Biccari
The village has retained a compact historic centre, where stone lanes and historic buildings tell the story of almost a thousand years. Among the main sights to see in Biccari are:
- Byzantine Tower, standing 23 metres high with an external diameter of 13 metres. Built for defensive purposes between 1116 and 1122, it is the village’s symbol;
- Convent of Sant’Antonio (1477) and the Roadside Cross at Porta Pozzi (1473), both commissioned by the Stendardo family;
- Church of Maria SS Assunta: neoclassical in style, it was rebuilt during the 20th century on the site of the original 17th-century building. It has three naves and a large Neapolitan painting dating to 1775;
- Palazzo Caracciolo and Palazzo Goffredo, reminders of the period of powerful local lordships;
- Lake Pescara, a natural lake of around three hectares, surrounded by woodland at an altitude of 900 metres;
- Tertiveri Tower, the only surviving trace of ancient Tertiveri, a fortified town and episcopal residence in medieval times;
- Monte Cornacchia, Puglia’s highest peak at 1,151 metres. On clear days, its views reach as far as Gargano and the Tremiti Islands.
Things to do in Biccari
Biccari has a varied range of outdoor activities. Paths leading towards Monte Cornacchia start at Lake Pescara and can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback.
Parco Daunia Avventura, which opened in 2014, has treetop adventure courses for all ages. There is also the Bubble Room, a transparent spherical place to stay in the woods, designed for sleeping under the stars, as well as treehouses.
Truffle hunting is possible throughout the year, as the local woods are among Puglia’s five natural truffle-growing areas. The local community cooperative also runs the Piccola Scuola Contadina (‘Little Rural School’), with courses covering traditional farm work, craft techniques and local cooking.
Interesting facts about Biccari
As well as its monuments and traditions, Biccari has a few unusual details that add to its historical and cultural profile. The most interesting include:
- racing driver Ralph de Palma, considered one of the world’s fastest drivers in the early days of motor racing, was originally from Biccari;
- the name Biccari may derive either from the Latin vicus or the local dialect word bicchiere, meaning ‘glass’;
- the highest Neolithic settlement in Puglia was discovered within the municipal area, at more than 700 metres above sea level, in the Boschetto locality;
- the village belongs to the Borghi Autentici d’Italia network and has received the Italian Touring Club’s Orange Flag award.
€1 houses
One of the village’s best-known initiatives is the sale of properties at symbolic prices. The Case a 1 euro project, introduced by mayor Gianfilippo Mignogna, aims to tackle depopulation by attracting residents willing to renovate abandoned buildings. Around 40 homes have already found new owners, with buyers coming from Italy, Germany, the United States, Portugal and Cuba.
The council’s website has an up-to-date catalogue of properties priced from €1. Potential buyers include people planning a permanent move to the area, those looking for a second home and those considering a rental property.
What to eat in Biccari
The village’s cooking reflects its position between mountain and plain. Wild greens, asparagus, artisan cured ham and fresh pasta feature heavily, while scorzone, or summer truffle, is its most characteristic speciality alongside locally grown saffron.
The durum wheat pasta made by the Terre di Biccari consortium has received national recognition, having been named Italy’s best artisan pasta by Gambero Rosso. The area’s DOC wines complete the local food and drink scene.
Events and food festivals in Biccari
Biccari’s calendar runs throughout the year.
- The Festival del Cinema Italiano brings open-air film screenings to the summer, while most events take place in August as part of the Agosto Biccarese programme;
on the 7th, the village celebrates its patron saint, San Donato, with a fair and the opening of the historic centre.
On the 22nd and 23rd, there is the Santa Maria delle Grazie livestock fair and the sagra della pizza a furn apert, a festival centred on pizza baked in open ovens;
- on 17 January, the bonfires of Sant’Antonio are held;
- on 10 and 11 May, there is a market exhibition dedicated to local speciality products.
Living in Biccari
The Case a 1 euro initiative is not the only route for people considering an investment or move to the area or elsewhere in the region. There are numerous properties for rent and sale in Biccari and across Puglia, with regularly updated listings available on idealista.
