The history of Vieste is a rather bloody one and that history can still be felt when wandering its narrow streets and alleyways. In the medieval centre of Vieste, the medieval castle rises vertically from the sea. Constructed by Frederic II in 1240 as his royal fortress, it defended the city for many centuries from the continuous attacks of pirates. It was also the center of resistance when Vieste was all but completely destroyed in 1480 by Turkish armies led by the Great Visir Acmet Pasha. In 1554 Vieste was again occupied by Dragut Rais. Just a few steps below the castle is the Cathedral of the Assunta, built in the 11th century. It is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in Puglia. Only a few steps beyond the Cathedral are the ‘Chianca Amara’ or ‘stone of blood and tears’. On this great cliff in 1554 nearly 5,000 Viestani where beheaded by Rais’ Turkish pirates. Today, the castle is lit up at night and it can be seen from all over Vieste. The port, boardwalk, and pier are also lit making it a wonderful place to visit in the evening. And the sunrise is equally as magnificent.

The harbor in Vieste is home to numerous private boats and ferries for the guided tours along the coastline, for the Tremiti Islands, and even Croatia depart regularly. Though populated with tourists during the summer months, Vieste remains a fishing village at heart and restaurants abound, serving locally caught seafood and fine Pugliese cuisine inspired by the produce grown on the surrounding hillsides. For various festivals and celebrations, concerts or special events the beautiful boardwalk is set up as a lighted event venue where locals and visitors alike can enjoy, for example, a concert with the castle lit up behind the stage and the expanse of the blue Adriatic stretching beyond. It is another magical coastal town in the Gargano.