Lesina, Apulia

Lesina
—  Comune  —
Comune di Lesina
Coat of arms
Lesina Location of Lesina in Italy
Coordinates: 41°46′N 15°26′E
Country	Italy
Region	Apulia
Province	Foggia (FG)
Frazioni	Ripalta
Government
• Mayor	Pasquale Tucci
Area
• Total	159 km2 (61.4 sq mi)
Population (1 July 2009)
• Total	6,395
• Density	40.2/km2 (104.2/sq mi)
Demonym	Lesinesi
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	71010
Dialing code	0882
Patron saint	San Primiano Martire, San Firmiano Martire, Maria Santissima Annunziata
Saint day	May 15

Lesina is a town and comune on the northern side of Monte Gargano in the province of Foggia in the Puglia region of southeast Italy.

Lesina lies on the northern side of Gargano and on the shores of the lake with the same name. It is a maritime village known for the production of (female) eels. The site, populated since the Neolithic era, is a narrow strip of land covered with sandy dunes and little woods, separating the lake from the sea, which creeps into its waters through two canals (Aquarotta and Schiapparo).

Devio hill, only 252 meters high, divides the two lakes, Lesina and Varano, and some findings of the Neolithic era have been found there. Lesina, built after the immigration of Dalmatian fishers, and known to Romans as Alexina, was often afflicted by earthquakes and sea flooding, and its population decimated by malaria.

The hot waters of Caldoli stream, not very far and near San Nazario Sanctuary, testify its volcanic activities.

Main sights

• Cathedral
• Episcopal Palace (13th century)
• Natural Museum of the Lake Lesina