Gravina  in  Puglia

Latest page update: 20 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Gravina in Puglia
Gravina in Puglia has only a limited number of established hotels, with much of the local accommodation consisting of B&Bs and agriturismi. For hotel-standard stays, the wider Province of Bari offers stronger and more reliable options, particularly in Altamura and Matera, which is just across the regional border in Basilicata.
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In Altamura, Hotel San Nicola is a central property set in a historic building, offering comfortable rooms, dining facilities and consistently positive guest feedback (€€). In Matera, Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel provides an upmarket stay in a restored palazzo overlooking the Sassi, with refined interiors, spa services and excellent reviews (€€€). Another option in Matera is Hotel Sassi, located within the historic cave dwellings, featuring simple but atmospheric rooms and good ratings for both character and value (€€).

Where is

Where is Gravina in Puglia?
The historic town of Gravina in Puglia is situated within the Metropolitan City of Bari province and has a population of around 44,000 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 367 metres above sea level while nearby places of interest include Altamura, the Alta Murgia National Park and Ruvo di Puglia.
Gravina in Puglia's Ponte dell'Acquedotto was used to shoot a key scene in the James Bond movie No Time to Die (2021), starring Daniel Craig in the lead role. Although not apparent in the film, the scene is shot across two locations with the second of those being the city of Matera, across the border in Basilicata. The bridge scene shot in Gravina in Puglia is often used in promotional material to market the film and as such has created a heightened interest in the town. 
Comune di Gravina in Puglia
Province: Metropolitan City of Bari

Region: Puglia

​Population: 42,376​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 381 km²

Elevation: 367 metres

​Close by: Altamura, Alta Murgia National Park, Ruvo di Puglia

Recommended accommodation: B&B Sul Ponte

What People Ask About Gravina in Puglia, Puglia

Is Gravina in Puglia worth visiting?
Yes, Gravina in Puglia is worth visiting for its dramatic gorge, ancient cave dwellings, and medieval centre. It is less crowded than nearby Matera but shares similar rupestrian architecture and landscapes.
How do I get to Gravina in Puglia?
Gravina has its own train station on the Bari–Matera line operated by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane. By road, it is reached via the SS96 and SS99 routes. Bari Airport is about 1 hour away by car.
What are the main attractions in Gravina in Puglia?
Highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Ponte Acquedotto bridge spanning the gorge, cave churches, and the archaeological area of Botromagno. The old town also has palaces, piazzas, and narrow medieval streets.
Was Gravina in Puglia used as a film location?
Yes, Gravina’s aqueduct bridge and gorge were filming locations for the James Bond film “No Time to Die” (2021). Its dramatic scenery has also attracted other film and television productions.
Are there natural parks near Gravina in Puglia?
Yes, Gravina lies on the edge of Alta Murgia National Park, an area of karst landscapes, caves, and rural farms. The park is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring Puglia’s natural environment.
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Discover

Discover Gravina in Puglia
Gravina in Puglia stands on the edge of a dramatic limestone ravine in western Apulia, close to the border with Basilicata. The town’s historic centre rises above the gorge, where clusters of stone houses, stairways, and ancient caves merge into the rock face. Its position within the Alta Murgia landscape gives it a rugged and striking setting, surrounded by rolling hills and open fields that characterise this part of inland Apulia.
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The town takes its name from the ravine that cuts through it, crossed by the impressive Ponte Acquedotto, a monumental bridge and aqueduct that links both sides of the gorge. Gravina in Puglia is also home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built under Frederick II, and several rock-hewn churches that reveal its medieval and Byzantine heritage. Its proximity to Matera, Altamura, and the Alta Murgia National Park places it within an area rich in history, architecture, and distinctive southern Italian landscapes.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Gravina in Puglia
  • Centro Storico di Gravina in Puglia spreads across rocky ravines, its streets winding among stone houses, medieval arches, and bridges spanning deep gorges. The town radiates dramatic beauty, with pale façades and glimpses of ancient caves carved into the cliffs. Small piazzas reveal vistas of rugged landscapes and historic bell towers. Walking here offers a journey into a place where nature and architecture fuse in striking harmony.
  • Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta rises on the edge of the ravine, its Romanesque façade crowned by a graceful bell tower. Inside are gilded altars, frescoed chapels, and carved stone columns. The cathedral has long anchored Gravina’s religious life. It remains a treasured symbol of the town’s medieval splendour.
  • Ponte Acquedotto Madonna della Stella stretches dramatically across Gravina’s ravine, part bridge and part aqueduct. Its high arches and stone construction create a striking silhouette against the rocky landscape. Walking across offers panoramic views. It stands as one of Gravina’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Piazza Benedetto XIII serves as the town’s vibrant heart, bordered by historic buildings, cafés, and local shops. The square hosts markets, festivals, and cultural events under clear Apulian skies. Cobblestones and views of church façades create timeless charm. It’s the perfect place to savour life in Gravina in Puglia.
  • Guided historical and cave tours in Gravina in Puglia lead visitors through medieval streets, rock-hewn churches, and underground tunnels once used for storage and shelter. Local guides share tales of noble families, hidden frescoes, and the town’s strategic importance. Tours often include tastings of local breads, cheeses, and Puglian wines. Exploring reveals Gravina’s blend of dramatic scenery, deep history, and authentic regional spirit.

Tours and Activities

Gravina in Puglia Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

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How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Gravina in Puglia
By Rail: Gravina in Puglia has its own train station on the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) line, offering regional services to Altamura and Bari. Trains are relatively frequent on weekdays, with longer intervals at weekends. The station is located about 1 kilometre from the centre, reachable on foot or by local taxi.

By Road: The town lies around 60 kilometres southwest of Bari and can be accessed via the SS96 road, which connects directly from Bari to Altamura and Gravina. It is also around 30 kilometres from Matera. Public car parks are available close to the historic centre.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Located approximately 60 kilometres to the northeast, this is the most practical airport for visiting Gravina in Puglia. The journey by car takes around 1 hour via the SS96, with connections available by train from Bari Centrale.
  • Brindisi – Salento Airport: About 140 kilometres to the southeast, this airport is an alternative for those arriving from southern or central Europe. The drive takes roughly 2 hours, mostly along the SS7 and SS96.

Private Transfers

Gravina in Puglia Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Gravina in Puglia, providing a direct and flexible service to your chosen destination. You’ll be met by a professional local driver and driven in comfort without the need to organise connections or navigate unfamiliar roads.

Both Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Airport are well connected by road, making private transfers an efficient choice for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Altamura, Matera, and Gioia del Colle, as well as to other towns and cities across the wider Puglia region.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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