Gulf of Manfredonia

The Gulf of Manfredonia opens along the southern side of the Gargano peninsula, with a port whose fortunes were tied to the defence of the Apulian coast. King Manfred founded the new town in 1256 after destruction and malaria had undermined nearby Siponto. Castle, walls and harbour formed parts of the same plan, placing a fortified settlement beside the gulf's sea routes.

An Ottoman attack devastated Manfredonia in 1620. The sack marked a lasting setback for the shore settlement, and the castle subsequently lost its defensive role. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the town still lay within its old walls and had about five thousand inhabitants. Fishing, livestock and a poor agricultural economy sustained it. These waters served both the routines of coastal livelihoods and the approaches along which hostile ships could reach the town.