10 must-do things in Castellana Grotte!

A Family Friendly destination among caves, culture and activities for families and children

Castellana Grotte is a town located in the province of Bari, best known for its beautiful karst caves and rich history and tradition. The town has ancient origins, dating back to prehistoric times. It is believed that man has lived in the area since the Paleolithic period, as evidenced by the traces left in the natural caves. During the Middle Ages, the city became an important trading center due to its strategic location on the Via Traiana, the Roman road that connected Brindisi with Bari.

Castellana Grotte, often underrated, offers numerous attractions especially for families looking for a unique and fun experience. We can consider it a family friendly destination, where everything is child-friendly and you can have fun while being in contact with nature

All Castellana Grotte excursions or trips, can be booked from the local Pro loco Don Nicola Pellegrino

In my column "A portata di Manu" I offer you ideas and itineraries but also things to do if you come to the city of caves, even on a day trip, whether you are a foreign visitor or a tourist at home. If you are planning your vacation in Puglia or simply live in Puglia but in another geographic area and don't have at least one friend, or a friend of a friend, to call for some tips, you are in the right place..

Follow my suggestions or write me on apugliesearoundtheworld@gmail.com

Castellana Grotte is known worldwide for its beautiful natural caves, among the largest in Europe. Grotte di Castellana are a spectacle of nature, with stalactite and stalagmite formations of rare beauty. Visiting the caves is an unforgettable experience that attracts tourists from all over the world.

The caves consist of a complex of natural underground cavities, the origins of which date back some 90 million years. In 1938 Professor Francesco Anelli, a naturalist, geologist and speleologist, during one of his excursions came to the discovery of the caves that are now called Castellana Caves. It is accessed thanks to an open-air chasm called "the Grave"; inside we find an itinerary of about 3 km of tunnels and caves, with some milestones, such as the "Black Cave," the "monument caves," the "owl cave," and the "little paradise" up to "The White Cave" At the end of this route it is possible to see a small crystal lake surrounded by karst rocks.

For all detailed informtions write to segreteria@grottedicastellana.it to keep entrance ticket QUI

Speleofamily is a special experience offered by Castellana Caves for families. It is a guided exploration tour inside the caves, designed especially for children equipped as cavers. During the tour, children are accompanied by an expert guide who explains the characteristics of the caves, explaining the natural processes that led to their formation.

Seleofamily is a fun and educational experience for the whole family to discover the underground world. In addition, children over the age of 4 will have the opportunity to touch the rock formations and learn about their formation and history.

Witnessing scenes from Dante's Inferno HELL IN THE CAVE In a unique and inimitable location. It is a performance representing Dante's Inferno in the evocative location of the "Grave" of the Castellana Caves. The director of Hell in the Cave is. Enrico Romita with dramaturgy by Giusy Frallonardo . Narrating Voice Marcello Prayer soundtrack by Apulian musicians among the most accredited on the Italian music sceneGiuseppe De Trizio, Adolfo La Volpe, Mirko Signorile

Located near Castellana Caves Parco dei Dinosauri is an ideal attraction for young children. The park offers a nature trail with life-sizedinosaurs. Ideal for younger archaeology enthusiasts with faithful reconstructions of the giants that populated the Earth during Prehistoric times.

Planetarium Show was founded in 2018 is a kinesphere inside of which the documentary film 3D We Are Aliens. An amazing journey into the immensity of the universe in search of possible life forms on other planets.

It was built in 1691 by the will of the people of Castellana as a thanksgiving to the Madonna della Vetrana who had freed the country from the terrible plague in 1690. It is said that on the night of Jan. 11, 1691, two priests, Don Giuseppe Gaetano Lanera and Don Giosafat Pinto, prayed incessantly under the altar of Madonna degli Angeli placed in the Church of St. Francesco di Assisi so that, through her intercession, the people of Castellana would be cured of the plague. Since that date, no other deaths have been recorded. Since then Castellana Grotte dedicates to its Patron Saint, "Le Fanóve," a spectacular event, in which religious devotion and popular tradition come together to re-enact the extraordinary event that on the night of Jan. 11 each year illuminates and warms the City of Caves. "Le Fanove" of Castellana , like the Fòcara of Novoli and the Fracchie of San Marco in Lamis, along with other Apulian events related to fire, are in the "Network of Fires of Puglia

Le Fanove di Castellana Are one of the city's most important and oldest traditions. Le Fanòve sono delle cataste di legna of various sizes that burn throughout the town to commemorate the miracle of Madonna della Vetrana, who saved Castellana from the plague in 1691. Every year, nearly 100 bonfires are lit on the night of Jan. 11, around which a cheerful and friendly atmosphere is created, accompanied by folk songs and extraordinary typical Apulian gastronomy

Nowaday Fanove di Castellana are still held with the same solemnity and devotion, representing the tradition and identity of the local community. An important opportunity for the Castellana Grotte community to come together and celebrate its history and tradition.

Una passeggiata nel borgo antico di Castellana, accompagnati da una guida esperta come il bravissimo Fabio Loperfido che vi permetterà di scoprire vicoli suggestivi impreziositi da edifici, piccole chiese, palazzi e da un percorso alla scoperta delle edicole votive, altarini ed icone di “Madonne e Santi di strada”.

Una vera e propria galleria a cielo aperto dove oltre venti porte, in ferro o in legno di vecchie abitazioni, sono state trasformate in veri quadri d’autore incentrate sul tema delle “badesse mitrate”, che dal 1266 fino al 1810, esercitarono con gli stessi poteri del vescovo, l’autorità temporale e spirituale su Castellana.

Per ritornare bambini vi consiglio di prenotare alcuni dei percorsi praticabili nel Parco Avventura di Castellana Grotte La maggior parte sono attività all'aria aperta, come percorsi ad ostacoli, ponti tibetani e zip-line, per tutta la famiglia. E' il primo ed è il più grande Parco Avventura della Puglia per numero e varietà di percorsi acrobatici. Il Parco dispone di un'ampia zona pic-nic attrezzata con tavoli e panche più di trecento posti a sedere. Sono previste delle postazioni di barbecue utilizzabili liberamente in self catering: portando da casa la carbonella ed una griglia

Castellana è convenzionalmente la porta d’accesso della Valle D’Itria

Tra gli uliveti e mandorleti sorge la Masseria ATIPICA. Qui famiglie con figli possono cimentarsi in attività a contatto con la natura come la coltivazione dell'orto o la scuola di cucina o imparare a fare le conserve, i famosi "boccacci" alla pugliese da cui aprendoli esce solo poesia da mangiare. Da ATIPICA tutte le esperienze si fondano sulla genuinità e sull’autenticità. Qui tutto è a KM0

Esplorare il vasto agro castellanese percorrendo i vecchi “tratturi” che collegano alle varie frazioni del circondario (QUALI?) Una passeggiata tranquilla all'insegna della storia e natura. Sia a piedi rientrando Castellana tra le città in cui praticare turismo lento- tutti i percorsi qui. Sia in bici, noleggiando una bici magari da Puglia E bike oppure Cilindrika in assoluto le più fornite della zona.

Pietanza tipica di Castellana, l'Impanata è un primo piatto sostanzioso a base di purea di fave con cicorie o altre verdure campestri mescolate e accompagnate dal pane tostato, cipolle o friggitelli. A settembre si tiene la tipica sagra nel centro storico.

Si svolge in occasione della tradizionale festa di fine estate della Madonna del Caroseno il 7 e 8 settembre. Qui la festa è in grande stile, organizzata dalla locale Confcommercio con il patrocinio del Comune. La principale caratteristica della sagra (oltre a trasformare la città in un barbecue a cielo aperto) è la gara delle “Vetrine satiriche”, allestite nelle vetrine delle macellerie. Rodata la formula: scene di vita quotidiana, protagonisti della vita politico-amministrativa, fenomeni di costume, rappresentati da polli (finti) travestiti. il voto delle migliori vetrine è ad appannaggio di una giuria che viene nominata dalla Confcommercio

OSTERIA DEL CAROSENO, A journey into taste that begins from the moment you enter this establishment, a former oil mill used for catering. Here you can find sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine. I have been there once and was impressed by the quality of service and the presentation of the dishes. Real works of art adorned with ornaments from the land of Puglia. Local cuisine but revisited. The bread is homemade by the restaurant

Anthony Marra Bistrot (gourmet cuisine). Alessandro Borghese invited him to participate in his program “I 4 Ristoranti,” first Puglia edition. The star of this restaurant is the chef class of 89, whose culinary culture has imposed a style at the table that pays attention to aromas, the right balance of flavors, and the origin of ingredients. Based on land and meat you can start with the Chef's Syntony composed of 4 courses with seasonal products, revisiting our territorial traditions proceeding with Vodka Scalded Octopus with Potato Cream and Saffron

Trattoria il Casalicchio, If you come to this restaurant equip yourself with holy patience. The wait times are long but well worth the wait. The cuisine is homemade, offering orecchiette and brasciole, donkey stew and meatballs, among other specialties. The place is rustic. Typical Apulian trattoria.

Osteria Grotta Bianca Offers seafood and land menus. Very interesting is the pacchero al nero di seppia with cuttlefish and clams. but the whole menu is versatile starting with typical Apulian hot and cold appetizers

La Fontanina It is located nestled in the quiet countryside. It is one of Castellana's historic restaurants. The cuisine is typical, from land and sea: paccheri with ciliegino, cacio and basil, bream, mullet, scampi, lobster, grilled meat, pasta and homemade desserts. All to be paired with one of the wines from the extensive wine cellar. Family run and courteous service.

Terre di Puglia Just a stone's throw from the grottoes of castellana, Cozy location, friendly and helpful staff who can guide you in your choice, Appetizers plentiful, delicious and excellent meat

Taverna degli amici Very nice location has established itself over the years, more than for the food, as a reference venue for the castellanese movida. With live musical events that entertain, quality music, a sort of Anema e Core of Capri with a formula that appeals to everyone. Great for reinforced aperitifs.

Cesarino 36 great food tastefully decorated you feel at home.

Felix - Here is the waiting list d at least 2 weeks to reserve a table. Find sandwiches and burgers of all kinds. All products, from black pork charcuterie to pasture-raised cheeses, are carefully and passionately selected to provide a premium dining experience. Every day we are committed to serving quality sandwiches, beers and beverages in a friendly, family atmosphere.

Malacarne - The reign of carnivores is a quality steak house in a cool place.