Walking through the silent alleys of the historic center of Vieste, suddenly the panorama opens up in a surprising spectacle: it is the Ripa, the cliff that majestically overlooks the Adriatic Sea, where time seems suspended between history and myth. This place, today one of the most exciting panoramic points of the city, preserves ancient memories, heartbreaking events and romantic legends that have their roots in the heart of the Gargano.
The Giudecca of Vieste: Jewish heritage on the cliff
THEancient Jewish quarter of Vieste it was located right in the area of via Judeca. The presence of the Jewish community is documented at least since the 1223th century, but it was after the earthquake of XNUMX, which devastated nearby Siponto, that the Giudecca of Vieste was enriched with new inhabitants and became an important cultural and commercial point of reference for the city.
Over the centuries and due to other seismic events, such as the one in 1646, part of the ancient district was transformed into a small square overlooking the sea, which has now become one of the most evocative views of Vieste, with a view of Punta San Francesco.
The Lover's Stone and the Legend of Angelina
Going down from the Ripa via a staircase, you reach an ancient landing place still frequented by fishermen and bathers, where there is also a trabucco recently restored. 
One of the most picturesque rocks is the Lover's Stone, the setting of a heartbreaking legend.
The protagonist is angelina, young and beautiful daughter of the commander of Vieste, in love with Enrico, a brave leader of the city's ships. Their love, hindered by her father for reasons of lineage, was tragically interrupted by a Saracen attack. Enrico left to defend the city and disappeared at sea during a violent storm. Angelina, devastated by the news that her beloved had renounced his faith and married a Turkish woman, threw herself from the cliff near that very rock, which has since then borne her name.
The story, made famous by Antonio Fazzini in the nineteenth century with the title “The Gargano Suicide”, describes with romantic and melancholic tones the figure of Angelina, symbol of a pure and desperate love, and gives this stretch of coast an aura of poetry and mystery. It is said that on the most serene nights, the shadow of the young woman still wanders between the Ripa and her tomb, mourning a lost love.
From the promontory, through the staircase that descends towards the ancient landing place, you can still perceive the suspended atmosphere of a place that has seen merchants, doctors, fishermen and lovers pass by. Every stone, every glimpse, seems to guard a story.
For those who wish to continue the discovery of Vieste, we also recommend a walk in the Borgo Antico or a visit to the nearby Cathedral, immersed in a journey through time between history, spirituality and legends.
