Altamura and Gravina, from the Claustri to the Cathedral Tour from Matera

The tour begins with departure from Matera to Altamura, where you will meet your guide and start exploring this remarkable city known as the "Lioness of Puglia." Altamura is famous throughout Italy and beyond for its production of the renowned DOP bread, its impressive Cathedral, and extraordinary archaeological discoveries like the Man of Altamura and the dinosaur quarry. Your walking tour starts at Porta Bari, one of the two ancient gates leading into the old town. From here, you will visit the stunning Cathedral of Frederick II of Swabia, built in 1232, notable for its beautifully carved portal—considered one of the finest in Puglia—and the Gothic-style public clock tower dating back to 1858. As you wander through the old village, you will discover the “claustri,” unique spaces that serve as symbols of social and cultural gathering. Among the more than 80 claustri, highlights include Claustro Giudecca, Claustro Tradimento, and Claustro dei Mori. You will also have the opportunity to taste Altamura’s famous PDO bread freshly baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. Following this, visit the Archaeological Museum of Altamura, where the Man of Altamura—an ancient human fossil dating back between 128,000 and 187,000 years—can be admired along with other significant finds.

After lunch, the tour continues with a guided walking exploration of Gravina Old Town, a charming village perched atop a ravine approximately 100 meters deep. Here, you will witness the unique karstic landscape that characterizes the area and visit significant religious sites such as the Cattedrale dell'Assunta and the Crypt of San Michele, a rock-carved crypt that served as the official cathedral of Gravina for many years. To conclude your visit, you’ll have the chance to stroll across the Madonna della Stella viaduct, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic surroundings. Following this immersive cultural and natural experience, you will return to Matera, bringing to an end a day filled with history, archaeology, gastronomy, and stunning scenery.