Located on a spur of Gargano ( 545 m.), Castelpagano is historically connected to the Domus Precina. The location, very good in the past for overlooking the underlying areas, dominates the Tavoliere delle Puglie and safeguards the underlying access ways to the Roads of Faith : the Via Sacra Langobardorum, from  Benevento and the Via Francesca, coming from the Adriatic coast.

Also known as  Castelsaraceno, it has got uncertain origins but it is related to the period of Swabian domination. Frederik II in fact , who lived in  Apricena, restored it and made it a hunting lodge, safeguarded by trustworthy Saracen warriors from Sicily.

The depopulation of the village started during the 7th century, because many inhabitants moved to Apricena, and so Castelpagano, because of its rough land and the presence of caves, became the perfect place to be a shelter for Bandits.

The site, protected by the Gargano National Park, treasures the rests of the ancient wood, in addition to colonies of Inula, a protected botanic species that, together with the Gargano Primrose distinguishes the Gargano.

It is crossed by lots of birds of prey all the day long and by night too, and from its peak there is a wonderful view on the Gargano from the Tavoliere delle Puglie till the Monti Dauni.

MEETING PLACE: AREA “SAMBUCHELLO”, provincial road n.48 (about 4 km from San Marco in Lamis)

ITINERARY START: SAMBUCHELLO / ITINERARY END: THE SAME

PATH LENGHT: 15 km

JOURNEY TIME: 6 hours and 30 minutes

(Planned stop have been foreseen in order to favor the full body efficiency)

DIFFICULTY: T = Touristic (it consists of itineraries on small routes, mule tracks and easy, visible paths,  that  do not present uncertainties, difficulties or orientation problems. Those kind of itineraries are also suitable for hikers on their first experience).