10 Must-Do Things to Do in Poggiorsini

The smallest municipality in the Parco Nazionale dell'Alta murgia and the metropolitan city. Many people hardly know this Apulian village of not even 1,400 inhabitants capable of expressing one of the castles of the “Frederician triad”

Although it is not one of the most celebrated and famous tourist destinations in Apulia, this town in the Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia, gives visitors an authentic experience among the picturesque Murgia landscapes and the genuine flavors of local products. A visit to Poggiorsini is without a doubt an experience that engages all five senses, the quietness and natural sounds are capable of creating a relaxing atmosphere, the air is often filled with the smells of traditional food, flowers or fragrances typical of the area adept at making you feel the breeze on your skin as you explore the village.

Poggiorsini is the smallest municipality in the metropolitan city, but its landscape offers a breathtaking mix of peaks, flatlands and watercourses, which are already rooted in the name of the village-for example, “Poggio” from the Latin “podium,” rising, while “Orsini” refers to the family that held possession for as many as 300 years.

Nestled in the Bari Murgia, this municipality has been independent since 1957 after having been a suburb of Gravina fino a quegli anni, Poggiorsini gained its autonomy and the title of European municipality, now boasting its own mayor and town council. Before becoming independent, it was owned by the Orsini family from 1609 to 1910, a period in which the village was transformed from a rural settlement to an urban center with new structures such as the parish church and the ducal palace.

Let's not forget that Poggiorsini was chosen as a film set by Luca Medici-Zalone, who a few years ago put down roots in this locality on Raffaele Genuario's livestock farm, for a scene in the film TOLO TOLO. As also Matteo Garrone chose it for a scene in his famous “Pinocchio.”

In my column "A portata di Manu" I offer you ideas, experiences and itineraries as well as things to do if you come to these parts whether you are a foreign visitor or a tourist at home. In the article (next to each experience) are all the references for booking tickets or excursions or guided tours in the area .

The area is also known for being home to one of the castles of the “triad of Frederician castles,” which are epic imposing fortresses that are valuable historical treasures related to the time of Frederick II of Swabia. In addition to the famous Castel del Monte a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

In POGGIORSINI there is the Castello del Garagnone and at few km Castello di Gravina.

The panorama offered by the heights of Poggiorsini is of extreme beauty and great variety. Located 70 km from Bari, it rises among the high, limestone Murge Baresi, within the Alta Murgia National Park, embracing the valleys of the Roviniero and Basentello streams, located on the border between Puglia and Basilicata.

If you arrive in Puglia by plane, I suggest you land at Bari Airport here you have 2 choices:

by train

-- To go to Poggiorsini, in the direction of which there are also Santeramo in Colle, Spinazzola and Minervino Murge, from stazione dell'aeroporto - Ferrotramviaria spa (costo 5,20 euro) go toBari Centrale FS and take a train to Gioia del Colle. with Ferrovie dello Stato. Get off at Gioia del Colle and board the replacement bus to the towns of the Alta Murgia (direction Poggiorsini also passes through Gravina and Altamura)..

by car

If you decide to rent a car at the airport, set your navigator to the city of your interest that you will reach via SS96

If you are coming from the A14 Adriatic highway, you can take a variety of exits including Canosa di Puglia, from the A14 Bologna highway. After the exit you will find directions to the various towns in the Murgia. The settlement is essentially built around the small Aldo Moro square. It is overlooked by the town hall, the only church and the old village, or rather what remains of it: the area was in fact almost totally destroyed by the 1930 Vulture earthquake.

If you want to enjoy the spectacular views and tranquility offered by the small town of Poggiorsini, this is the place to be. You can describe it with many words, but only with your eyes, and if you go there in person you can enjoy the wonder of it. It is a red brick work in the shape of an amphitheater with six square windows, overlooks the Bradanica trench and gives a fantastic view of the Lucanian territory

Foto BariToday

The Garagnone Castle, a Norman fortress, whose ruins are still visible today, stands on a hill just a few kilometers from the village, along the route between Gravina and Spinazzola. Its importance was mainly due to its privileged position, making it an effective medieval outpost for controlling and defending the Appian Way, which runs right at the foot of the stronghold on the border with Basilicata. It was built by Frederick II of Swabia as a fortress system for his army. Upon reaching the summit of the Castle, a breathtaking view unfolds before those on this trekking route, offering a boundless panorama that richly rewards the challenging ascent.

The route is of medium difficulty lasts 4 h for visit and trekking is recommended to make guided tours by contacting the 20 official guides of the Parco dell' Alta Murgia  able to guide you in natural history excursions

from the web site of PARCO DELL'ALTA MURGIA it is possibile to have a look to all the TUTTO l'elenco Of the routes and trails that are viable for walking, biking and visually impaired.

from the web site of PARCO DELL'ALTA MURGIA you can book your guided tour by contacting one of the 20 specialized guides directly

or also contact PugliaWalk or Murgia Slow Travel

Anyone who has traveled through the Garagnone area has likely noticed a picturesque wooden house with a distinct western feel, situated right at the foot of the rock. This modest structure, which has inspired many legends over time, was one of the locations used in the production of the western series That Dirty Black Bag, an international production available on Paramount, consisting of eight episodes created by Palomar Mediawan and Bron Studios. The series was filmed across various locations in Puglia, including, in addition to Poggiorsini, Bari, Spinazzola, Altamura, Gravina, Martina Franca, Fasano, Santeramo, Melendugno, and Lecce..

Starting in 1609, the town of Poggiorsini became the private property of the Orsini family, Dukes of Gravina, under the name "Poggio degli Orsini." They transformed this rural settlement into an urban center, equipping it with necessary infrastructure and services. Duke Michele Antonio Orsini commissioned the construction of a manor farmhouse (the Casale di Macchia Vetrana or degli Orsini, known in dialect as "U Crtur") for shepherds and laborers seeking employment and residence. This farmhouse is unique in its kind, a building used as a colonial residence, built around the 1920s and connected to the Ducal Palace, which later completely collapsed due to the violent Vulture earthquake of 1930.

For guided tour in the farmhouse contact the Locale Proloco Poggiorsini there is Agata Picerno the president or other Proloco members on whatapp 347 6415681 (she doesnt speck englhis)

Orsini Oligomineral Water originates within the Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia a landscape of remarkable beauty and diversity, featuring numerous waterways.

Located in Poggiorsini, this water bottling plant has developed an innovative and distinctive line of water with a recognizable design over the years.

For curious visitors or school groups, it is possible to visit the Stabilimento Orsini by writing an email .info@acquaorsini.it oppure al numero 080 99 58 553 . This experience is available from September and March and lasts 1 hr. .

SBAM! (an acronym for Social Brewery Alta Murgia) was born from the “A tutta birra” project, involving the social cooperatives “Campo dei Miracoli” and “Questa Città.” Its primary aim is to promote job access for people with mental disabilities, recognizing work as a beneficial factor for mental health, while producing high-quality beer.

Sito web https://www.birrasbam.it

You can book a tasting by contactinginfo@birrasbam.it +39 3401614560

SS

The fifth and sixth stages of the Cammino Materano pass through here, along the la via sveva, route, which leads from Spinazzola to Poggiorsini (and vice versa) and from Poggiorsini to Gravina. This 20 km path of moderate difficulty takes you through the heart of the Parco della Murgia bordering Basilicata.

For more information, visit the CAMMINO MATERANO

An “old cinema” transformed into a “modern craft brewery.” This is Birrificio degli Ostuni . Like in a film, it tells the story of two brothers, Matteo and Giuseppe Ostuni, young entrepreneurs eager to express themselves by creating a product that conveys their passion for beer. Even the labels speak of the local culture, each bearing a word from Apulian slang: Priscio, Controra, Comare.

The added value of their beer comes from the quality of the raw materials used, which give it an exceptionally intense flavor: barley malt, yeast, and hops. A unique aspect of their production is the method, which is 100% naturally crafted. The brewery organizes guided tours to discover brassic (beer) production and tasting experiences narrated directly by the master brewer.

Via Mazzini 9 a Poggiorsini, numero 3288267124, sito www.birrificiodegliostuni.it Info@birrificiodegliostuni.it

Located in the area known as "Tufara," these are the famous “eight little houses,” now reduced to seven following the collapse of one. They are well-known, as they stand in a row on the hill. They are most likely remnants of the post-World War II land reform, which, through a significant process of expropriation and redistribution of large estates, led to the creation of numerous small properties, many of which were gradually abandoned in the following years. These houses are more scenographically distinct than the many others scattered across the rural landscape of Poggiorsini due to their perfect alignment rising from the ground, making them ideal symbols of both the hopes and failures of the southern recovery program that the state attempted to implement around 1950.

Addolorata. It is held every year on August 11 with lights, songs, and dances. There is no documented evidence of the historical origin elevating Addolorata as Poggiorsini’s protector; the legend and tradition are what remain.

The statue of Addolorata was ordered in Naples by a wealthy landowner from Spinazzola for a church in Spinazzola. The statue was transported on a cart pulled by oxen, and after a long and exhausting journey, it was caught in a violent storm near Poggiorsini. The cart driver was forced to take shelter in the “Taverna,” located near the current railway station, as explained by a plaque from the time (1600), marking it as a rest stop and horse exchange for travelers. However, after the storm, the oxen refused to continue toward Spinazzola and instead persistently took a path leading to Poggiorsini. When the locals learned of this, they decided to adopt Addolorata as their protector from that moment on

(Cenni storici, fonte: http://www.festadellamadonna.it).

The program is available QUI

It was rebuilt after the Vulture earthquake of 1930 and consecrated only in 1988. Constructed in the 1930s, it houses paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries of the Neapolitan school (Olivieri). Inside, there are three naves and several noteworthy works, including a wooden pulpit, a baptismal font, a canvas depicting St. Anthony, and an 18th-century painting of the Deposition.

4o

Opening hours are 8:00 am to 12 am and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Foto Repubblica Bari

It is located in the valley of the Bradanica trench. For those who enjoy trekking, we recommend a walk around Serra del Corvo Lake also known as Basentello Lake because the body of water, originates from the damming of the stream of the same name. It is an artificial reservoir that marks the border between Puglia and Basilicata. Nato nel 1974 dopo la costruzione di una diga sul torrente Basentello, questo bacino dalla forma a “v” si trova nei pressi di altri posti incantati che vale la pena vedere se siete da queste parti, come i “vulcanelli di fango” (nella Fossa Bradanica un piccolo originale vulcano “di fango”, capace di eruttare argilla misto a acqua) e il Castello di Monteserico (è un castello medievale a circa 15 km dal comune di Genzano di Lucania in Basilicata). Intorno al lago si possono praticare pesca e birdwatching.

About five kilometers from the center of Poggiorsini is the Grottelline locality famous for hosting a rock site of exceptional historical value that includes 15 rock complexes. In 1097 the presence of the Knights Templar is documented in the Grottellini farmhouse.Nel 2017 il Ministero Beni e Attività Culturali ha dichiarato l’interesse culturale del complesso costituito da Masseria Grottelline, Masseria Salomone e l’insediamento rupestre situati in contrada Grottelline ritenuti “rilevanti testimonianze di architettura masserizia premurgiana con ambienti rupestri del XII e XVI secolo

Qui è stata girata una scena del film di Matteo Garrone Pinocchio

For guided tour contact park guides da QUI

Poggiorsini, like the entire Murgia area, is renowned for its delicious food and tastings of traditional dishes made as they once were, often featuring alimurgic herbs (wild herbs growing in the fields). After climbing Garagnone or for a meal surrounded by nature in a place where time stands still, there’s nothing better than stopping in Poggiorsini to savor local delicacies at the restaurants and butcher shops. Here’s where to go for a great meal:e che crescono nei campi).

Ristorante Pizzeria Al Poggio -  Known for mushroom and legume dishes. Locals often gather here for special occasions. Recommended: grilled meats and wood-fired pizza.

Ristorante Pizzeria Borgo Antico - A homestyle restaurant bringing all the flavors of Murgia to the plate, featuring peperoni cruschi and artisanal bruschetta. Excellent wood-fired pizza and meat.

Ristorante Il Fagiano - A reception hall with a menu available by order

La Taberna degli Orsini Offers traditional Murgian cuisine with a modern twist, grilled meats, and excellent wood-fired pizzas..

Il Giardino del gusto  Murgian cuisine with a great selection of homemade desserts.

Macelleria da Margherita- Offers “fornello” dinners on Saturdays. Address: VIA VITTORIO VENETO 13, 70020, Poggiorsini, Bari

Don’t miss the involtino (offal roll) festival on the first Sunday in August and the cardoncello mushroom festival in November, a traveling event shared with Gravina, Spinazzola, Minervino, and Ruvo, featuring various attractions and folk music

Di Poggiorsini.....