10 Things to Do in Altamura

Also known by the name of Lioness of Puglia , Altamura has in its history an incredible tale of resistance and tenacity

The fame of its bread, the celebrated " Pane di Altamura DOP" is known to all, but nothing could have prepared me for the deliciousness of that crunchy treasure chest of tradition and its irresistible aromas when it is freshly baked. The process to obtain UNESCO recognition for Altamura bread as a world heritage site has officially begun. This bread, revered as the emblem of the Murgia city , could soon earn a place on the prestigious world list of cultural treasures to be preserved.

My adventure in this city began almost by chance, walking through the streets of the historic center in search of artisan bakeries , guided by the irresistible aromas of freshly baked bread.

And while I imagined enjoying a slice of authentic Apulian food , heart-shaped, I already knew that Altamura would leave an indelible mark on my heart as a curious traveler.

But bread in Altamura is not the only fruit of a tradition that dates back to the 1st century BC!

There is also "Ciccillo". An adult male, about thirty years old. In Altamura, his discovery took place in the karst cavity of Lamalunga in the autumn of 1993, when in a natural apse three speleologists found a 150,000-year- old skeleton of Homo neanderthalensis . "Ciccillo", a nickname that resonates through the streets of Altamura like a secret shared between friends and acquaintances . Behind this affectionate name lies the figure of a special person , an individual who embodies the authentic soul of Altamura. "Ciccillo" could be the one who passionately runs the family bakery, carrying on the centuries-old tradition of the famous Altamura Bread. Or perhaps, "Ciccillo" is that picturesque character who animates the squares during local festivities, involving the community with his festive spirit and his ability to involve adults and children in traditional dances.

Regardless of the role that "Ciccillo" may play in the life of Altamura, his name is synonymous with authenticity and a connection to the roots. He is the guardian of traditions, the " intermediary between past and present" , the witness of a story that is revealed through daily gestures and moments of conviviality. At the moment, it is the best preserved archaic specimen. And the most desired, because it is not yet possible to extract it from the calcite and coralloid formations that surround it.

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In my column "A misura di Manu" I propose ideas, experiences and itineraries, but also 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 individual experience) are indicated all the references to book tickets or excursions or guided tours in the area.

The municipality of Altamura is located within the Alta Murgia National Park area. They call it the Lioness of Puglia. The origin of the nickname dates back to the 18th century. This city similar to France, experienced an important revolution inspired by the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity . In February 1799 , upon hearing the news of the king's escape to Palermo, the Altamurans transformed the city from Bourbon to republican, planting the tree of liberty in Piazza Duomo (no longer visible today) . The Bourbon army intervened led by Cardinal Ruffo, but the Altamurans, barricading themselves and preparing ammunition, resisted. The clash of May 9, 1799 showed the mettle of the minority of the Altamuran forces who, having run out of ammunition, began to shoot coins to resist longer.

Founded in the 13th century by Frederick II (to whom we owe the cathedral that stands in the centre of the city, Santa Maria dell'Assunta).

We are just over 40 km from Bari and 19 km from Matera , almost on the border between Puglia and Basilicata. Here's how to reach Altamura comfortably with the main means of transport available.

BY CAR

49 km southwest of Bari along the SS96

BY TRAIN

Direct connections with Bari FAL (Ferrovie Appulo Lucane) also passing through TORITTO another city in the Park

Connections with Trenitalia (from Bari to Gioia del Colle) and then Bus from Gioia del Colle

But what are the 10 things to do in Altamura?

The city of Altamura is part of the Alta Murgia Park which in 2021 submitted its candidacy to obtain the prestigious title of UNESCO Geopark.

My own adventure, in writing this article, discovering the concept of Geopark has been a journey of knowledge, an experience that has helped expand my information on the territory in ways I did not imagine.

What is the Geopark? It is a protected area characterized by a geology of international importance, within which sustainable development is promoted . This initiative embraces responsible tourism, environmental conservation, education and research, focusing not only on geology, but also on biodiversity, flora and fauna present in the area . The aim is to enhance the geological heritage of these lands at a global level.

At a global level , we can count on 177 Geosites distributed in 46 countries , and among these, 11 are located in Italy. Of these 11 , the Alta Murgia area boasts 5 , 3 of which are in the Municipality of Altamura :

UN VIAGGIO LUNGO LA  STORIA DELLA TERRA: IL PARCO DELL'ALTA MURGIA CANDIDATO A GEOPARCO UNESCO

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From the portal visitaltamurgia.it

Cava Pontrelli in Altamura: This quarry is famous for the over 25,000 well-preserved dinosaur footprints found on its surface. It is an important paleontological site that testifies to the presence of dinosaurs in the region.

Lamalunga Cave in Altamura: This cave is famous for the discovery, in 1993, of the fossilized skeletal remains of the Altamura Man, one of the oldest examples of Neanderthal Man. It is a site of great archaeological and anthropological importance.

Pulo di Altamura : It is a large collapse sinkhole that represents one of the most spectacular forms of superficial karst in Italy. It is a natural attraction that offers an impressive view of the geological conformation of the area.

Pulicchio di Gravina : it is a collapse sinkhole characterized by a high scenic potential. Its regular shape is embellished by a vast vegetation of pines and conifers, adding a picturesque touch to the landscape.

Photo by Barinedita

Bauxite mines in Spinazzola: These mines are located on the Murgian ridge in Spinazzola and are a limestone deposit discovered in 1935. Between the 1950s and 1980s, they were exploited for the extraction of raw minerals used to produce aluminum. The red earth deposits of the mines attract visitors for the bright shades of colors.

In the company of specialized nature guides, it is possible to follow the 'Geopassi', a series of itineraries along the geosites of the territory recognized worldwide.

From the ALTA MURGIA PARK website you can consult the FULL list of itineraries and routes that can be travelled on foot, by bike and for the visually impaired, which include Altamura

From the ALTA MURGIA PARK website You can book your guided tour by directly contacting one of the 20 specialized guides who also offer tours for Altamura

The imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Altamura, founded by Frederick II of Swabia in 1232, is a fascinating blend of architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to Gothic, from Baroque to Moorish. Originally facing west (ancient churches were in fact designed so that the faithful and the priest prayed facing east, that is, towards the rising sun), this ancient monument is a symbol of devotion and majesty .

For a guided tour you can contact the DIOCESAN MUSEUM located inside the Cathedral 348 151 8763

Photo source web

To admire it, just go to the Diocesan Museum Matronei of Altamura located inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta . The precious garment was given in 1808 by Gioacchino Murat to the bishop of Altamura Gioacchino de Gemmis as a "reward" for having blessed the tree of liberty, symbol of the " Altamura Revolution" of 1799, during which the town rose up against the Bourbons pursuing the ideals propagated by the French. The figure of Murat in Bari is very well known even today as the "Murat district" dedicated to him has borne his name for more than 200 years for having laid, on 25 April 1813 , the first stone of the nascent "new village". In the Diocesan Museum there is a glass display case where since October 2016 the cloak with "painting point" embroidery on silk has been placed for the artistic effect given to the design depicting branches of leaves and fruit. The fabric alternates sequins and tulle inserts through which it is possible to glimpse dried rose petals .

Ticket price 8 euros All the information for visiting the Museum HERE

The museum network dedicated to the Altamura Man is composed of Palazzo Baldassarre , the Lamalunga Center , the National Archaeological Museum of Altamura and the Info Point in via Treviso. Four different sites, each rich in interest, where you can go to deepen your knowledge of one of the most sensational archaeological discoveries of recent years and of a history, a nature and a territory among the most fascinating and unique in Italy.

At the Lamalunga Visitor Centre ( Tel: 371 5814471) it is possible to go on excursions (guided by speleologists) to reach the entrance of the Grotta dell'Uomo, the Grotta della Capra , the Pulo , the Mena Park.

To book all the info HERE

The National Archaeological Museum of Altamura Inaugurated in March 2017, it was born from the desire to reunite and exhibit the numerous archaeological testimonies found throughout the territory, from Prehistory to the Middle Ages, through an exhibition with an educational, agile, compliant with scientific dissemination and effective in communication aimed at a diversified audience of visitors. On the first floor , the exhibition is dedicated to the civilizations that succeeded one another in the Alta Murgia , from pre- and proto-history to the late ancient age, with materials from settlements and necropolises in the surrounding area.

On the second floor the exhibition is entirely dedicated to the European Paleolithic with specific insights into central and southern Italy. Ample space is given to the exhibition Prehistory of food: from the origins of bread with a focus on the strong link with the agricultural vocation of the territory.

You can buy the ticket from HERE

Vito Dicecca, the latest generation of cheesemakers, together with his brothers, manages to extract excellent products from milk. The milk for his cheeses comes from cows that graze in the Alta Murgia National Park and the molds used have evolved over time.

Since 1930, the Dicecca family has been producing all types of cheeses, from blue cheeses to stretched curd cheeses to aged cheeses.

Dicecca Dairy | Altamura | via Bari, 26 | ph. 080 3140822 https://www.facebook.com/people/Caseificio-Dicecca/100063534222279/

Don't miss the new Baby Dicecca project, the new cheese bar in the Mercadante Forest , in the heart of the Murge, created by,

Vito Dicecca, born in 1983. After having made the family cheeses known all over the world, he offers tastings of the best of local production

All the info to book BABY DICECCA

REGIONAL MUSEUMS DIRECTION PUGLIA. BUY TICKETS HERE

In 1999, in the locality of “ Cava Pontrelli” approximately 30 thousand dinosaur footprints dating back to the Upper Cretaceous (70/80 million years ago) were found. The dimensions of the footprints vary from 5-6 cm up to 40-45 cm and suggest that they were left by animals up to 10 m tall. From the website of the ALTA MURGIA PARK You can book your guided tour by directly contacting one of the 20 specialized guides

What is the Geopark?

To date, no systematic investigations have been conducted on the megalithic walls of the city of Altamura, so called because of their grandeur and height, so much so that they gave their name to the town. The only official document is due to the archaeologist Francesco Maria Ponzetti who, towards the middle of the 20th century, conducted an excavation campaign along the existing walls.

Testimony to the type of fortification of the classical age (5th-4th century BC) , also widespread in other centers of Peucezia, the megalithic walls of Altamura appear as a double circuit: an internal wall, smaller, which enclosed the acropolis, with a development of about 1500 meters, and an external one , larger, which extended for 3600 meters. To be understood as a work made necessary by the particular situation in which the indigenous people of all Peucezia found themselves faced with the expansionist aims of Taranto and the nearby Lucanian and Samnite centers, the megalithic walls are of great importance from a civil and military point of view. The construction technique used involved the use of large blocks (the term "megalithic" derives, in fact, from the Greek: mega, large, and lithos, stone), not rough-hewn, arranged to fit together, then settled dry. The walls were 5.5 metres wide and over 4 metres high.

All the information Pro Loco Altamura

It is actually a private museum. It tells the story of Pane, passion dreams of its founder, the patron Forte.

It is located a few steps from the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, in via Onorato Candiota, 2. It is one of the oldest medieval ovens in Altamura, together with that of Santa Caterina. The museum unfolds in a multimedia and sensorial path within EXHIBIT DESIGN , the visitor retraces the history of bread, the history of the art of Altamuran bread-making, contextualizing it with the surrounding environments and landscapes, because they too are an integral and fundamental part of understanding the story.

To book a visit to the Museum, all the information can be found HERE

info@museodelpaneforte.it Tel. 080 91 40 118 Cell. 342 5562711

It is a typical liqueur from Puglia made from walnuts, produced since 1832 according to the ancient secret recipe formulated in the convent by the Capuchin friar Giuseppe Ronchi. This Capuchin friar retired to Puglia, from Naples, with the desire to discover in the Murgia , in its woods, in its meadows, in its waters and in its rocks, a remedy that could soothe or heal the annoyances and infirmities that daily life brings with it. Padre Peppe is made with the fresh green walnuts that can now be seen on the trees. The original recipe tells you to collect 13 green walnuts for each liter of alcohol, between June 13 (St. Anthony) and June 25 (St. John), to put them to macerate in a hermetically sealed container with 13 cloves , 1 nutmeg and 3 grams of cinnamon, and every now and then shake everything and leave to rest in a cool, dark place. It has 42 degrees of alcohol. and in addition to its recognized digestive properties, it is also an excellent tonic. Almost all the families of Altamura have passed down the recipe, each with its own secret. The one who realized that this elixir was something more than a natural medicine was the brother of Friar Giuseppe, Nicola Ronchi, who used the recipe to produce and serve the walnut elixir in his ancient café. The one who pushed the liqueur outside the city walls was Luigi Striccoli , great-grandfather of the current owners, who, by marrying an adopted daughter of Ronchi, inherited the café and the small annexed factory.

Where to eat in Altamura?

Ancient tavern Pein Assu t offers typical dishes of the Altamura tradition. From orecchiette alla parmigiana, meatballs in sauce, sausage with potatoes, pickles and fresh cheeses. For lovers of horse meat, the rib eye is said to be exceptional. 080 311 8313

Golden Gate Relaxing the customer is the philosophy embraced by the owner of the restaurant. The selection of appetizers is excellent. The restaurant is surrounded by greenery, especially appreciated in the summer. The pizza is delicious. Quality fish, the restaurant's specialty is grilled roast 333 457 9209

The three arches High peasant cuisine here they also practice Gluten and Lactos Free. Pizzas and first courses in my opinion here are really excellent. The spaghettone excellent. They have different cuts of quality meat that I recommend such as Wagyu.

Ristorante del corso - Biancospino Sea and land coexist here. It is a small restaurant without frills but the quality is exceptional. Medium- high prices Try the Passatello. 080 314 2695

Three towers Tavern with revisited typical cuisine. Quality meat and fish. The appetizer is very abundant. The saffron pappardelle are exceptional and the baked mussels au gratin 080 314 4024

Origins Wine and Cuisine Il Posto is refined. As is the cuisine. In good Apulian tradition, do not miss the appetizers, they are delicious. Tempura courgette flower, trio of cheeses, mini burgers with caramelized onion, beef stew and much more. 080 645 7928

Bald Appetizers all the way also in this restaurant. Here they also have rye bread crostini that I found ingenious and good. Very good meat. Must try the desserts.

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