Cagnano Varano

Cagnano Varano lies on the high, green hills on the northern side of Gargano, halfway between Lesina and Carpino.

Cagnano Varano takes his name from the lake which it faces, Lake Varano, and which represents the main attraction of the area. Its beauty is due in particular to the flourishing vegetation that grows along its north shore, on a thin strip of land which separates the sandy lake from the Adriatic sea.

The harbour and the many campsites, hotels and villages, make the area a lively destination for tourists.

The most direct accesses to the sea are the mouths of Capoiale and Varano. These have been created recently in order to avoid stagnant water, which caused malaria in the past.

The lake is still one of the main resources of the area. Its economy is primarily based on fishing, in particular on the cultivation of mussels and breeding of eels, and, of course, tourism.

Historical Notes

The origin of Cagnano Varano dates back to 1000 AD.

According to the tradition, the hill where is now situated Cagnano, was originally the location of the Roman town of Uria. This name appears in the reports of Plinio and Strabone, two historians of the time. It derives etymologically from Ca-Iani, home of Janus, who was the most important of the pagan gods.

During the Middle Ages, surrounding walls were built all around the city. Unfortunately these no longer exist.

Historians report that, during the Middle Ages, Cagnano Varano was joint to many different feuds of local noble families which, from time to time, occupied the Baronial Palace. This is an ancient Norman fortress, which over the years has been submitted to several restorations.

Among the noble families that alternated themselves at the head of the feud, probably the most important was the Di Sangro dynasty.

The last world war greatly afflicted Cagnano Varano. In fact, its lake was turned into a support base for submarines and seaplanes involved in warfare in the Adriatic Sea.uld definitely stay in a hotel in Vieste to make the best of it. Choose the hotel that suits you best for your vacations.