Among the gorges near the Gulf of Taranto, the one in Laterza is the most suggestive. The "Canyon of Europe" extends across 12 kms and, at in some points, it is also 500 meters wide. This is where the ancient origin of the city is revealed, with its cave churches and evidence left by man from prehistoric times.

From the Byzantine frescoes in the crypts, to the 15th century ones in the Cathedral, from the Marquis Palace to the decorations and the high-reliefs of the Cantina Spagnola, history in Laterza has developed layer upon layer, leaving behind precious tales, including those of its gastronomic tradition.

Walking through the town, you will the smell the aroma of bread and focaccia freshly baked by local bakers according to a very ancient recipe. The typical bread from Laterza is made using durum wheat semolina flour, water, salt, and yeast starter. After baking in dome refractory furnaces, with direct heating, an unparalleled product is achieved, an ivory white bread with a thick brown crust of about 3 mm. 


The city is the keeper of an important treasure: the skeleton of the Man of Altamura, discovered in 1993 in the Cave of Lamalunga. A discovery that allowed to achieve a more thorough knowledge of European Neanderthals that, up until then, was rather fragmentary.

However, the city of Altamura also offers tourist attractions that should be experienced. The first among all is the production of its PDO bread, famous for its "high" shape ("alta" in Italian).

Instead, monuments that should be visited include the Cathedral, the most important building in the city, built upon commission of Frederick II of Swabia.

At about 6 kms from the city, you can see a break in the horizon. It is the famous Pulo of Altamura, the most imposing karst phenomenon of the Alta Murgia that reaches 92 meters in depth.
Dug out by two courses of water, along with its vertical walls, rich in caves inhabited by man for at least 5,000 years, the Pulo presents itself as a natural amphitheater to be admired in silence.

Alberobello is a town known worldwide for its Trulli, typical cone-shaped structures made of local stone that are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1996.

Walking along the alleyways of the oldest part of the town, the Rione Aia Piccola, you can discover a world from times past. Life still flows slowly inside the Trulli and, in these, lofts have been turned into bedrooms.

Instead, the Rione Monti is the largest agglomeration of typical dwellings (about a thousand) worth visiting, where you can find souvenirs and admire panoramic terraces. Farther along, but still within walking distance, is the majestic Trullo Sovrano - Sovreign Trullo. Located behind the semi-Basilica of Saints Medici Cosma and Damiano, it represents the most advanced and refined example of a two-story Trullo.

The tratturi are wide grassy paths, covered with stones or dirt, which were once used by shepherds for the transhumance - or transfer - of flocks and herds from one pasture to another on a
seasonal basis.

The bike tour across the tratturi is a mountain bike excursion that alternates stretches of dirt roads with paved ones, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views. Guided by locals who know the territory very well, you will have the opportunity to visit hidden places that are rich in history.