Altamura Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the historic town in Puglia
Table of Contents
Altamura
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Latest page update: 20 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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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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Altamura • Puglia • Historic Town
Altamura is a historic town located in the southern Italian region of Puglia, within the Province of Bari. It sits on the Murgia Plateau, surrounded by rugged landscapes and rolling hills. Known for its medieval charm, Altamura is particularly famous for its well-preserved historical centre, where ancient stone buildings and narrow, cobbled streets create a picturesque atmosphere. The town is also renowned for its traditional Altamura bread, made from durum wheat and baked in wood-fired ovens, a symbol of its rich culinary heritage.
Altamura offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from exploring the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which dates back to the 13th century, to discovering the prehistoric remains in the nearby caves of the Murgia. The town is an ideal base for hiking and cycling, with its scenic countryside offering numerous trails that wind through the natural beauty of the region. Local markets provide a chance to sample fresh, regional produce, while the town’s lively squares and cafes offer a taste of local life. Visitors can also take a tour of the archaeological museum to learn more about the town's fascinating past.
Altamura is close to several noteworthy destinations. Just a short drive to the south, the ancient city of Matera is famed for its stone-carved dwellings and UNESCO World Heritage status. To the north, the charming town of Gravina in Puglia offers its own rich history, with a beautiful cathedral and picturesque ravines. A little further west, the famous Castel del Monte stands as one of Puglia's most iconic landmarks, an impressive 13th-century fortress with a unique octagonal design. Altamura’s central location makes it a perfect starting point to explore the diverse landscapes and historic sites of the region.
Altamura offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from exploring the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which dates back to the 13th century, to discovering the prehistoric remains in the nearby caves of the Murgia. The town is an ideal base for hiking and cycling, with its scenic countryside offering numerous trails that wind through the natural beauty of the region. Local markets provide a chance to sample fresh, regional produce, while the town’s lively squares and cafes offer a taste of local life. Visitors can also take a tour of the archaeological museum to learn more about the town's fascinating past.
Altamura is close to several noteworthy destinations. Just a short drive to the south, the ancient city of Matera is famed for its stone-carved dwellings and UNESCO World Heritage status. To the north, the charming town of Gravina in Puglia offers its own rich history, with a beautiful cathedral and picturesque ravines. A little further west, the famous Castel del Monte stands as one of Puglia's most iconic landmarks, an impressive 13th-century fortress with a unique octagonal design. Altamura’s central location makes it a perfect starting point to explore the diverse landscapes and historic sites of the region.
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: 70,108 (in 2024 - source) 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 |
