10 Must-Do Things to Do in Gravina in Puglia
Updated: Nov 4
The Acquedotto Bridge in Gravina in Puglia has become an iconic location for Hollywood thanks to the James Bond scene in No Time To Die
The scene is really crazy not only for the people of Gravina but for the whole world. Daniel Craig a.k.a. James Bond 007 to escape from a motorcycle speeding towards him jumps from the rail of the Acquedotto Bridge in Gravina in Puglia into the void, hanging only from a rope
Gravina in Puglia had already been the set of Italian and international productions in the past from Sergio Rubini's film“Il Bene mio”, to director Garth Davies' drama "Mary Magdalene" cstarring Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara as Jesus and Mary Magdalene respectively and Chiwetel Ejiofor as the apostle Peter, to Garrone's Pinocchio in which the famous wooden child walked with his back to the bridge.
Also a Hollywood star thanks to No time to die with Daniel Craig, and who knows, now history may repeat itself with the star of such colossals as Top gun (the new chapter Maverick was released last year) and Mission impossible, Tom Cruise was spotted in Bari a few months ago in a Top secret version.
Il Ponte Acquedotto, Ambassador of history
If we think of the city d Gravina, the first thing that comes to mind is to visit where the Ponte Acquedotto. is located. Without a doubt this is the symbol of the city, as majestic as it is imposing, it is perfect as a starting point for an excursion here on the murgia.
The first, walking down the stone staircase (via giudice Montea) that brings you from the Belvedere della Gravina towards the bastion. There right in the middle of the steps, a spectacle of nature presents itself before your eyes, looking to your left, where the connection between past and present is clearly visible. By the way, if you are crazy about photos, it is also the most Instagrammable spot in the city.
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 .
After crossing the bridge and thinking that you too would want to do some healthy Bungee Jumping at OO7 keep going straight ahead. You will arrive, just after the bridge at the Pianoro Madonna della Stella, located at the foot of Botromagno Hill, the beating heart of the ancient settlements, At the most extreme part of the rock, looking to the right, almost falling down, I recommend that you sit and admire this ancient beauty.
You will feel like you are in another epoch and have gone back in time.
This is the second perspective from which I recommend the Gravina Bridge for an unforgettable shot. From here the depth of the canyon is clearly visible. To your left you can glimpse the bridge in its entirety, to your right the Cattedrale di Santa Maria dell'Assunta And its bell tower. At its foot is the medieval Piaggio District, today undergoing recovery and redevelopment.
I like to describe this bridge also as a witness to the events that have shaped the life of the local community over the centuries. He is the true silent narrator of Gravina's history and still today the “faithful” guardian of the stories of those who have inhabited the enchanting natural environment of the ravines.
WHERE GRAVINA IS LOCATED AND HOW TO GET THERE
Gravina in Puglia is a municipality in the province of Bari, located in the heart of the Murge highlands, in the Apulian hinterland bordering Basilicata, with which it shares the Bradano River. Seat of the Parco Nazionale Alta Murgia, a few kilometers from Matera e Altamura, while Bari is about 60 km from this city. Pope Benedict XIII, born Pietro Francesco Orsini (in religion Vincenzo Maria), was born in Gravina in Puglia on February 2, 1649. Pope from 1724 to 1730, he is owed important architectural works in the city of Rome, as well as the inauguration of the Spanish Steps of Trinità dei Monti, which connects the church of the same name to the Spanish Steps.
Whether you come alone or with family, there is always something nice to do. If you arrive in Puglia by plane, I suggest you land at Bari Airport.
From the airport walk to the train station inside the airport and from there take:
- From the airport train station, take the train that will take you to Bari Centrale o Bari Centrale FNB (ferrovie nord barese). From the central station you can internally reach the Bari Centrale FAL (ferrovie Appulo Lucane) - station platforms - spot the elevator and go up to the second floor, the FALs depart from there. With this train you can also reach Matera.
by car
If you choose to rent a car at the airport, you will set the city of your interest on the GPS, which you will reach via the SS96
If you arrive from the A14 Adriatic highway, you can take various exits: Canosa di Puglia, Andria-Barletta, Trani, Molfetta, Bitonto, Bari-North, Bari-South, Gioia del Colle from the A14 Bologna highway.
After the exit you will find directions to the various cities in the Murgia.
It is important to know that this city made the “stupor Mundi” Frederick II of Swabia, of the Holy Roman Empire, capitulate.
Here Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, had a castle built in 1224 known to all as the Castello di Gravina, of which today the soaring ruins remain on the top of a hill north of Gravina, always well lit and visible.
This castle is part of the “triad of Frederician castles,” imposing fortresses that constitute a valuable historical and architectural treasure linked to the era of the influential Holy Roman Emperor. They include the famous Castel del Monte ad Andria, awarded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castello del Garagnone in Poggiorsini.
The Greeks called Gravina Sidion, land of pomegranates the Romans Silvum land of forests. The first settlement dates back to the Neolithic age. It was located on the Petra Magna (o Botromagno), hill, on the other side of the Acquedotto Bridge, opposite to where the town stands today. With the Greeks, Sidion evolved to become such an important center that it went so far as to mint its own coinage.
Under the Roman Empire the town was called Silvium. It was a military station located on the Appian Way and served to supply marching armies.
BUT WHAT ARE THE MUST-DO EXPERIENCES IN GRAVINA?
ON THE TRAIL OF JAMES BOND ON THE ACQUEDOTTO BRIDGE
An ambassador of Gravina's history, it has always been a key element in the settlement of local people.
Tra i 15 capolavori nel mondo da attraversare (Leggi speciale)
The Acquedotto Bridge is not only an extraordinary work, but a place that takes you into the authentic heart of Gravina. 37 meters high, 90 meters long and 5 and a half meters wide, it was originally used to allow people to cross the Botromagno Gravina and reach the enchanting rock church of Madonna della Stella. Probably made unstable by the 1686 earthquake, the bridge collapsed in the 1722 earthquake. It was in those dark days that the strength and resilience of the Gravina Acquedotto Bridge emerged. It was the feudal lords of the prestigious Orsini family of Rome who engaged in the reconstruction of the bridge. They had moved to the fiefdom of Gravina and ordered around the middle of the eighteenth century the reconstruction and transformation of the bridge into an aqueduct, to bring up to the city of Gravina the waters of the Sant'Angelo and San Giacomo springs, which were located on the Botromagno side, opposite from the first urban settlements.
Historical sources reveal that the original structure of the bridge dates back to the late 17th century, as evidenced by an ancient Notarial Act of 1686. In those years the Gravina Acquedotto Bridge, also known as the viaduct of the Madonna della Stella was already a reference point in the daily life of the local community, providing an essential passage through the karstic landscape. This viaduct was the only means of connecting the two sides, divided by this canyon-like crater carved into the rock by the stream, the Crapo (the ancient name for the Gravina stream). Since 2012 one of the FAI places of the heart
VISIT THE LARGEST UNDERGROUND CHURCH IN APULIA: SAN MICHELE DELLE GROTTE
Facing the Gravina, located in the ancient Fondovito district, it is known as the Chiesa Grotta, immersed in the rock habitat of Gravina in Puglia with 5 naves and 14 pillars completely frescoed until the early 1900s.
It is the oldest chiesa rupestre più antica ed importante di Gravina
It is dedicated to the patron saint of Gravina, St. Michael of the Caves who is celebrated on May 8 while St. Michael the Archangel is celebrated on September 29. In the first apsidal apse the fresco with a large Christ Pantocrator between Saints Paul and Michael is still visible, while the central apse preserves the statue of St. Michael of the Caves. Entrance fee
Per info: 350 081 8462 - https://www.museocapitolaregravina.it/
EXPERIMENT IL PRIMO AEROPORTO TURISTICO CON DRONE
A real live flight experience over the canyon of Gravina in Puglia while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. An immersive and evocative experience that takes visitors to inspect the canyon in the company of a team of pilots, a place narrator, a drone and 5 viewers. It focuses on the overwhelming emotion that the unprecedented view of Gravina in flight gives. The viewer becomes the protagonist of a flight in a totally personal way.
Per prenotare contattare FLY ON - Aeroporto Turistico UAS BASTIONE MEDIEVALE Email: info@fly-on.it Phone: +39 3757993104
WALKING UP THE HILL TO THE MANOR OF FEDERIC II
Here in Gravina, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen had a castle built in 1224, known to all as the Castello di Gravina, of which the soaring ruins remain today on the top of a hill north of Gravina, always well lit and visible. This castle is part of the “triad of Frederician castles.”
In 1224 Frederick II of Swabia commissioned a Florentine architect, Fuccio, to build a castle as a home for himself and his court, to be used mainly for falcon hunting, of which he was fond. It is possible to book a guided tour ofCastello Svevo di Federico II
Admission fee
Per info: Fondazione Ettore Pomarici Santomasi – Via Museo, 20
Tel. +39 080 3251021 – Email info@fondazionesantomasi.it
“GRAVINA: OF WATER, OF EARTH, OF FIRE, OF AIR.”
“There are places characterized by strong natural, morphological and narrative contrasts; these places need storytelling to deepen their charm: Gravina is one of them” Raffaella Iannetti, Licensed Tourist Guide, di Dò e Dè, offers a guided tour to discover the city of Gravina among the contrasts of water and stone, the sacred and folk wisdom to discover the signs and history of a land rich in cave-churches and cave-houses, “urbs opulenta” of Frederick II.
To make reservations contact
Raffaella Iannetti
Phone 375 7993104
Web do-de.it
PATH OF WATER AND STONE
It is a 7-kilometer loop trail , totally in a natural and archaeological environment, starting from the historic center of Gravina in Puglia. A nice way to get to know Gravina and its history, through a Trekking route also ideal for the family.
It touches the Acquedotto Bridge, the rocky complex of the 7 chambers, the Crapo River, the archaeological area of Botromagno, the necropolis of the Eternal Father.
The tour is totally dedicated to the complete immersion in nature, visiting the Bosco Difesa Grande, with its approximately 1890 hectares is one of the most important forest complexes in the whole of Puglia. Located 6 km from the town center of Gravina, it covers a hilly area between the Gravina and Basentello streams.
Since 1988 it has been a SCI (Site of Community Importance), contains the greatest concentration of native tree species in Italy, and allows visitors to admire its enormous variety of animal and plant species, as well as the characteristic jazzi. It is possible to visit one of the N.A.T.O. bases set up in the early 1960s during the Cold War between the U.S. and Soviet Union to launch nuclear-tipped missiles,
To make reservations contact
Associazione Omini di Pietra – Ezio Spano – Guida Ambientale
cell.348 974 4490 - ominidipietra@gmail.com // ominidipietra.com
LOOK UP AT THE MURALS OF CAPA GRAVINA
Walking through the streets of the city and glimpse the buildings with murals that give life to a real open-air Museum of Urban Art, It is called CAPA GRAVINA and it is the city's urban art museum that you can also visit with guided tours. To book www.capa-museum.it
For events in the city, follow
TAKE PART IN THE LIVING NATIVITY SCENE
It is called "Gravinae Nativitas. Ancient crafts in the nativity scene. Eulogy of trades and tradition " on the occasion of Christmas we "go back" to the past. It is the representation of the nativity scene , a reconstruction of the nativity of Jesus, in this case called “living” where actors take on the roles of ancient characters from the Bible. In the picturesque location of the churches of St. Michael of the Caves, which is transformed into the Bethlehem where Jesus was born and spreads all along the Fondovito District.
Full details QUI
Free entry
PARTICIPATE IN ITALY'S OLDEST FAIR SAN GIORGIO
It takes place every year in April. It is the FIERA DI SAN GIORGIO a trade show that deals with agriculture, agribusiness, crafts, sustainability, innovation and territory and the sumptuous historical ceremony to commemorate an ancient privilege granted to the city more than 700 years ago. This year's special testimonial was American star Ron Moss, who paraded in period costume. Info.
DISCOVER THE SCENTS OF MURGIA HERBS AND ANCIENT FLAVORS
A visit here is a must. You have to visit the artisan laboratory "Amari e Rosoli ” and take away with you the taste of the herbs of the Murgia. We are talking about Il GARIGA, A visit here is a must. You have to visit the artisan laboratory "Amari e Rosoli ” and take away with you the taste of the herbs of the Murgia. We are talking about Il GARIGA, a delicately amaro digestive elixir composed of 43 herbs, almost entirely wild, from the vast territories of the Alta Murgia of Bari and other uncontaminated neighboring places.
The right balance achieved between the modest alcoholic degree (28°) and the pleasant bitter-sweet taste is obtained by the masterly dosage between the “bittering herbs ‘ and the ’smelling herbs ‘ and comes from a new, secret and exclusive recipe, owned by the artisanal liquor factory ’Amari & Rosoli”
Amari e Rosoli
Vico II Marconi, 3 70024 Gravina in Puglia (Ba)
Email: info@amarierosoli.it
Phone 080.325.41.38
web Amari e Rosoli
INVOKING FERTILITY WORSHIP IN THE ROCK CHURCH OF THE MADONNA DELLA STELLA
So called because a fresco of Madonna and Child with a star on her forehead was found inside. Located on the opposite side of the Gravina, at the foot of the hill of Botromagno and the “Eternal Father” archaeological site.
A place of worship filled with spirituality and charm, over which hover legends concerning precisely the fertility cult, according to which infertile women who visited the shrine could receive the grace of giving birth to a child. Such grace, according to legend, was attributable to the orgistic rites, which were practiced here and were abolished by Monsignor Cavalieri in 1693, ordered that "all churches be closed at nightfall, and especially the one which, called of the Star, is consecrated to our Lady Virgin Mother of God, on the proper day of her feast day, so that access may be precluded to the ancient but insufficiently overcome abuses, as men and women promiscuously go there at nighttime in a revelry of rhythmic sounds and songs “ (Diocesan Archives of Gravina, Synod, 1693). Will this be true? You just have to find out. Info QUI to book tours contact Museo Capitolare Gravina
GOING DOWN IN GRAVINA SOTTERRANEA
It is a must for those who come to these parts. Going down into the city's underground, an invisible city caved in the deep, multi-level underground hypogea. The most complete route that can be taken lasts about 1.5 hours and includes several underground sites that are often not communicating with each other, but, for those who wish, it is possible to take an even shorter route (like 30 minutes) that includes a partial visit of the entire route. Entrance fee Info
QUI Phone 328 541 5379 Via Antonio Meucci
SAINT CROSS TO SEE CHRIST
The church below the Cathedral Basilica, which opens onto the small square of the Basilica's main entrance, is called “Soccorpo,” “Lamia dei Morti,” or “Cemeterio.” Here one can admire a valuable wooden crucifix dating from the 15th to 16th centuries, which was moved 20 years ago from the aedicule above the altar.
E' possibile prenotare
Cell. 350.081.84.62 Mail: info@museocapitolaregravina.it
SOUND THE COLA COLA, symbol of the city.
It is known in Gravina as Cola-Cola. Elsewhere it is called or referred to as just whistle, in other parts it is called cucù, It is a symbol of happiness, lightheartedness and fertility. 388 184 1197 – lacolacola@yahoo.com
Piazza Benedetto XIII, 24, 70024 Gravina in Puglia BA
Looking at the city from the bell tower of the BASILICA OF THE CATHEDRAL MADONNA DELL'ASSUNTA
The view is truly breathtaking. Access is by reservation only.
cell. 3500818462 – www.museocapitolaregravina.it
Taking part in the Festival of the Cardoncello Mushroom
Hosted every year by the Pro Loco UNPLI of Gravina in Puglia in November, a festival about a fruit of the earth and the ancient flavors of all time.
Follow the Pro Loco's website to stay up to date on the annual events proposed
Take in the Gathering of Italy's most prestigious Historical Parades in September through the streets of the city
Every year, in September, Gravina in Puglia becomes the stage for the International Gathering of Historical Pageants, organized by the Nundinae Study and Research Center in collaboration with local organizations and activities that get involved for the best success of the event. An incredible explosion of colors, sounds, games, all set in the 13th century. More than 300 participants dressed in medieval costumes.
info www,nundinae.it - info@nundinae.it - 3500115678 centro studi nundinae
Gravina Food and Wine
It offers a range of typical food and wine products that are now part of the local culture and around which much interest is observed. Dishes that are unique and wholesome in the culinary genre including Verdeca di Gravina, a local white wine with a sweet-frizzing aftertaste produced in the Gravina countryside (I recommend mashing it up with Sassanelli sweet dry pastries typical of the area and booking your tasting or all those available from MURGIANDO the network of local farms capable of offering the best flavors of the Murgia.
Per prenotare www.murgiando.it - tour@murgiando.it - info@murgiando.it +39 375 799 3104
The Pallone di Gravina, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese that has become a Slow Food Presidium and is in the running for PDO, is not to be missed. I tasted the one from the
Caseificio De Rosa e del Caseificio Tarantino)
Soppressata, Pizzintella, Ventresca, Marri among the meats. Finally many baked goods starting with the Sasanello gravinese, a vin cotto cookie, the Tarallo and Rucc'l the Focaccia di San Giuseppe; (Pay attention. For me it was addictive and my favorite so far is the one from the Panificio Pani e Dolci di Conca a Gravina. It is sold only to order and costs an average of 30 euros per kg. Onion raisins capers tuna and anchovy) delicious local Bread also.
Local dishes include Calariello (a mixture of Murgia vegetables and lamb), Calzoni (dough filled with ricotta cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and grated lemon peel, served with gravy (my partner's favorite to eat with gravy and cheese, but filled with sweet and sour ricotta cheese, are from the pasta maker San Giorgio di Gravina which competes with those of Buona Massa) the Pane cotto, a mixture of vegetables and stale bread, ( the homemade one seems to be the best, everyone makes it better than the others of course. At the restaurant, I encourage you to try the one from Osteria Sant'Agostino which is prepared in the homemade tradition). the Sweet Pepper Compote (a preserve of sweet peppers cut into small pieces).
A journey within a journey, that of the typical products and delicacies of Gravinese cuisine.
Where to eat....
(Vitantonio Lombardo's homage to the Pallone of Gravina in Puglia)
13 Volte place and taste
Descending 18 meters deep. 13 Volte is a restaurant and pizzeria of rare beauty in which to enjoy cuisine that enhances and sublimates local tradition.
SottofondoGustoteca
In the heart of Fondovito, ideal for both winter and summer. Very typical menu its specialty is baked potatoes, whole, with skins stuffed with vegetables, meat, fish and cheese
Osteria Radici
Typical but contemporary cuisine. It originates from a 1700 Palace. ideal for two people with a stone room with a couple's table.
Osteria Al Cardoncello
First courses ( try the Calzoni di ricotta dolce) and meat (served at the table on lava stone) are the highlight of the restaurant. Get advice from chef Innocenzo, who chooses a menu always based on seasonality
Pastificio Buona Massa
Here you will find all formats of fresh pasta as per tradition. Try the cavatelli but also the sweet calzoni. Then choose by feel from the freshly prepared displays
Pastificio San Giorgio
According to Gravinesi who invite you for lunch on Sundays, this is the best pasta factory in town. Try the sweet calzones
Conca's Breads and Sweets Bakery.
Somewhat defiladed from the city center, when I'm in the area around here, I come there for breakfast with freshly baked hot focaccia. Almost as good as my favorite that I eat in Monopoli. Here I have tasted the RUCC'L which in my opinion is the best in the area. Reservations should be made at least 2 g in advance.
Arrosticcio Braceria
This is my regular stop when I want to eat meat in Gravina. The display counter is small, but it has all the cuts of meat that Francesco cooks for you at the moment. The bombette is great but so is the beef cut and the chef's offerings.
Fondo Crudo
In the heart of Fondovito, this is an Asian restaurant specializing in sushi. The location is cozy, Likes to call itself a Jappo Latino Murgiano, a fusion of Asian and Murgian cuisine. Taste the PALLONE FURAI , the CIMA DI TACO, YAKI UDON WHASOKU and URA PALLONE MAKI
La Murgiana Osteria
La Murgiana is a restaurant offering high quality Mediterranean cuisine.
Vecchia Gravina Restaurant
Interesting pizza as well as appetizers
Ristorante Vecchia Gravina
Pizza interessante cosi come gli antipasti
Tracce
Seafood cuisine in a tuff place. In the heart of the old town, Chef Giuseppe Olivieri has created creative cuisine and is considered among the best restaurants in town. A must stop for tourists in search of beauty and lovers of good food. The seafood is very fantastic but the desserts were for me the highlight of the lunch I had with them.
Ortus Cultural Workshops
If you are looking for some refreshment, it is an ideal park in the summer to have a drink with friends outside in a rustic setting
Labo
Ristobottega. Asian chino that I found exceptional
The Bridge
Ingenious and unique location for events with serious . On reservation also HOME RESTAURANT with dedicated meù of the Murgia
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