Lesina, Italian comune
Lesina is a village in the Province of Foggia near the Gargano promontory, stretching like a thin tongue of land on a lagoon. The settlement is surrounded by this lagoon, which extends for about 18 miles and contains shallow, brackish water with populations of eels, mullet, and bream that fishermen catch using traditional methods.
The region was settled as early as the Early Neolithic period, as evidenced by stone tools used for fishing and farming. Lesina itself emerged as a significant city in Roman times as a potential trade harbor, later became a medieval fortress that welcomed refugees from destroyed cities, and experienced periods of decline over the centuries due to earthquakes and floods.
The name Lesina comes from the Latin "Alexina" and reflects the town's Roman past. Today, visitors can observe the simple way of life of the local fishermen who repair their nets outside their homes and maintain the tradition of eel fishing, celebrated in the December Festa della Paranza festival.
The Lesina Visitor Center offers aquariums, natural history museums, and ethnographic exhibits to help you understand the area's history and nature. Hikers and cyclists can explore the nature reserves and Bosco Isola, while boat tours and canoe rentals provide direct access to the lagoon.
A small island called San Clemente marks the spot of a convent destroyed by a tsunami in 1627; at low tide, its foundations are still visible today. This site tells of the natural disasters that have shaped the region and stands as a silent witness to the past.
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