Altamura: Cathedral, Karst and Bread-Making Tradition

Altamura can be explored through several distinct themes: the architectural history of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the city’s historical and artistic heritage, archaeological finds from the Alta Murgia and the area’s karst formations. Pane di Altamura DOP is also part of the region’s agro-pastoral culture. When planning your trip, you can decide whether architecture, collections, natural history and geology, or the bread-making tradition should be your main focus.

The Cathedral and the City’s History

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built in 1232 at the behest of Frederick II and is one of four palatine basilicas in Apulia. Its portal depicts 22 Gospel scenes from the life of Jesus. This offers two perspectives: the building’s place within Apulia and the religious imagery on the portal; the year adds a specific account of its construction to both.

Two Ways to Explore the Cultural Heritage

MUDIMA – Museo Diocesano Matronei Altamura – comprises several sections that present the city’s historical and artistic heritage. The Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Altamura takes a different approach: it brings together archaeological finds from across the Alta Murgia, spanning the period from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The two museums therefore differ both in their subject matter and in their temporal and geographical scope. When weighing up your cultural interests, you can compare Altamura’s urban heritage with the archaeological evidence from a wider area.

Karst and Speleology

The Lamalunga visitor centre is located in the Alta Murgia National Park, three kilometres from the town of Altamura. Through an exhibition and educational activities, it provides information about karst features, the environment of the Alta Murgia and speleology. Geological formations, the regional natural environment and the study of caves are presented as distinct subjects. Excursions to the entrance of the Grotta dell’Uomo are possible from the visitor centre. Check the arrangements before your trip.

The Pulo di Altamura is described as a collapse doline, formed when the roof of an underground cavity collapsed. This description identifies both a landform and the process that created it. In contrast to the visitor centre’s thematic approach, the Pulo is a specific example of this kind of geological formation.

Traces from the Cretaceous Period

The Cava delle Orme dei Dinosauri is located in the hamlet of Pontrelli. The disused quarry contains more than 20,000 well-preserved dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous Period, around 70 million years ago. The number and state of preservation describe the footprints, while the approximate dating places them in time. Unlike a museum collection, the focus here is a specific discovery site in a former quarry.

Pane di Altamura DOP and Regional Tradition

Pane di Altamura DOP is a symbol of the Alta Murgia’s agro-pastoral culture and is closely connected with the farming traditions of the area where it is made. It complements the architectural, artistic and archaeological themes with a perspective on regional agriculture and tradition. If you want to explore Altamura through more than its buildings and archaeological finds, you can also include this cultural connection in your trip plans.

Discover more destinations

Mola Di Bari, Corato, Cozzana, Grumo Appula, Ruvo Di Puglia, Acquaviva Delle Fonti, Polignano A Mare, Ceglie Del Campo

For the overview of the wider area: Bari.