Deliceto

Deliceto is a small town and comune (population 4,117 in 2001) in the province of Foggia, from which it is 40.3 kilometres (25.0 mi) in the Apulia region of southeast Italy. Adjacent towns are Ascoli Satriano (to the east); Bovino, Castelluccio dei Sauri (to the north and the north-west); Sant'Agata di Puglia (to the south); Candela (to the south-east); Accadia (to the south-west). Deliceto rises on the peak of a hill, surrounded by woods and streams: The territory of the municipality lies between 207 and 951 metres (679 and 3,120 ft) above sea level. The altimetric span is thus 744 metres (2,441 ft). Its name must have derived from Iliceto associated with word elce, a tree which appears in the town badge. The early village dates back to the year One Thousand. A medieval castle, built by the Normans as early as 1150 is located in Deliceto. The castle overlooks a deep gorge going downhill. The building presents a high and massive square tower and two round towers situated in the back. Saint Alphonse (Alphonsus Liguori) spent several years of his religious life during the 18th century in Deliceto. While there, he wrote a popular Christmas carol Tu scendi dalle stelle (You came down from the stars). Delicetano is the dialect spoken by the older generation of Deliceto. The Patron Saint is San Benvenuto (23 September), though an important festivity is held for San Rocco (18 August). References