It lies on a hill, 169 metres (554 ft) over the sea, and is famous for production of wine and olives.
History
The history of Torremaggiore is strictly connected to that of the burg of (Castel) Fiorentino (di Puglia), a Byzantine frontier stronghold founded by the Italian catepanBasil Boioannes in 1018.
Five years later the burg was attacked by Pope Alexander IV's troops, and the inhabitants fled to a nearby Benedictine abbey. Later they were allowed to found a new settlement, called Codacchio, later, when other refugees from Dragonara arrived, christened Terra Maioris ("Major Land"), the modern Torremaggiore. This burg was later a fief of the Counts (later Dukes) of Sangro. It was destroyed by an earthquake on July 30, 1627.
On 17 March 1862 a platoon of newly united Italy's royal troops was defeated by the brigands of Carmine Crocco; 21 soldiers were killed, even their captain Francesco Richard.
From 25 August 1925, Torremaggiore was connected to the nearby San Severo by a tramway, the first in southern Italy.
Ecclesiastical history
Fiorentina was the seat of the Diocese of Fiorentino, established in 1059. In 1391 it was suppressed and its territory merged into the Diocese of Lucera. The name Fiorentino (Florentinensis) has been used, since 1969 as a Latin Catholic titular bishopric.
The Castle of the Dukes (originally Counts) of Sangro, built from a Norman tower, has maintained the Renaissance appearance. It includes four circular and two square towers, and a throne hall with a 17th-century fresco frieze. It is home to the archaeological exhibition of findings from Fiorentino.
Chiesa matrice di San Nicola ("Mother Church of St. Nicholas", 13th century), built by the refugees from Fiorentino and Dragonara, rebuilt in 1631 after the earthquake.
Church of Santa Maria della Strada (early 16th century).
Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Fontana.
Church of the Madonna di Loreto (16th century), erected by Albanian immigrants. It was rebuilt in 1627.
Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (17th century).
