Altamura
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 20 November 2023
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The city of Altamura is famous throughout Italy for the quality of its bread; upon entry you'll be greeted with a sign saying "Benvenuti nella Città del Pane" (Welcome to the City of Bread).
Apart from its culinary expertise, this is a beautiful, small city with a population of around 70,000. At its heart is an elegant Romanesque Cathedral dating back to the 13th century which is worth a visit alone. |
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Around the cathedral you'll find lots of bars, restaurants and no shortage of shops, Altamura translates as "High Wall" in English and the same city wall still stands today. Archways in the walls lead to the medieval centre where the city's history is celebrated with various flags and banners.
Lying just at its edge, Altamura is well-positioned for visits to the Alta Murgia National Park while the closest town to the west is Gravina in Puglia which is highly recommended. From here you can also skip south across the regional border to Basilicata where you'll find the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera just 20 kilometres away.
Lying just at its edge, Altamura is well-positioned for visits to the Alta Murgia National Park while the closest town to the west is Gravina in Puglia which is highly recommended. From here you can also skip south across the regional border to Basilicata where you'll find the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera just 20 kilometres away.
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Profile
Altamura is a charming town located in the province of Bari, in the region of Apulia (Puglia), Italy. With a history that spans thousands of years and a rich cultural heritage, Altamura is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
History
The history of Altamura dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement found in the area from the Paleolithic era. The town's strategic location along ancient trade routes contributed to its importance during different historical periods.
Altamura became a Roman municipality in the 3rd century BC and was known for its agricultural productivity. Over the centuries, it witnessed the rise and fall of various civilizations, including the Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, and Aragonese.
One of the town's most remarkable historical features is its medieval center, characterized by narrow alleys, old houses, and the imposing Altamura Cathedral, which is a testament to the town's religious and architectural heritage.
Altamura became a Roman municipality in the 3rd century BC and was known for its agricultural productivity. Over the centuries, it witnessed the rise and fall of various civilizations, including the Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, and Aragonese.
One of the town's most remarkable historical features is its medieval center, characterized by narrow alleys, old houses, and the imposing Altamura Cathedral, which is a testament to the town's religious and architectural heritage.
Highlights and nearby attractions
Altamura's historic center is a major attraction for tourists, with its well-preserved medieval charm. The Altamura Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is a stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture.
Its construction began in the 13th century and was completed in the 14th century. The cathedral's interior boasts beautiful frescoes and a magnificent rose window.
Another significant site to visit is the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace), which features a lovely courtyard and houses the Diocesan Museum. The museum displays a collection of religious artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
Its construction began in the 13th century and was completed in the 14th century. The cathedral's interior boasts beautiful frescoes and a magnificent rose window.
Another significant site to visit is the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace), which features a lovely courtyard and houses the Diocesan Museum. The museum displays a collection of religious artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
The City of Bread
Altamura is renowned for its traditional bread, known as "Pane di Altamura." It is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product and has been baked in the town for centuries. Visitors can enjoy the delicious bread and learn about its ancient baking techniques.
Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Alta Murgia National Park, which surrounds Altamura. The park offers scenic landscapes, ancient trails, and the opportunity to observe the local wildlife.
For those interested in archaeology, the Altamura Man (Homo Neanderthalensis) is a must-see attraction. This well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton was discovered in a nearby karst cave and provides valuable insights into human history.
Altamura's picturesque streets are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants where visitors can savor the local cuisine, including traditional Apulian dishes like orecchiette pasta and burrata cheese.
Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Alta Murgia National Park, which surrounds Altamura. The park offers scenic landscapes, ancient trails, and the opportunity to observe the local wildlife.
For those interested in archaeology, the Altamura Man (Homo Neanderthalensis) is a must-see attraction. This well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton was discovered in a nearby karst cave and provides valuable insights into human history.
Altamura's picturesque streets are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants where visitors can savor the local cuisine, including traditional Apulian dishes like orecchiette pasta and burrata cheese.
Comune di Altamura
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Province: Metropolitan City of Bari
Region: Puglia Population: 69,911 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Highlights: bread, cathedral Size: 431 km² |
Elevation: 450 metres
Close by: Gravina in Puglia, Alta Murgia National Park, Bari Nearest train station: Gravina in Puglia (14 km) Fly to: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (47 km) Recommended accommodation: Fuori le Mura |
