Altamura
Discovering Altamura: the Puglian city with a prehistoric past
Altamura, a picturesque city located in the province of Bari, is one of the most interesting destinations for natural history and archaeology enthusiasts. In this brief guide, we will take you on a journey through the landscape and archaeological treasures that make Altamura unique.
Physical Geography
Altamura's territory stretches at the gates of the Murgia, a vast karst plateau rich in natural phenomena of great interest. Here, among the Murgia's hills, visitors can explore the Pulo di Altamura, a karst sinkhole of great geological relevance. Additionally, tourists can explore the Lamalunga cave, where in 1993, the remains of a Neanderthal man were discovered, one of the most significant archaeological findings in Europe in the last 50 years.
But the wonder does not stop there; outside of the city, it is possible to visit the Dinosaur Quarry in the locality of Pontrelli, where footprints of these animals dating back to approximately 80 million years ago were found. These two natural areas, along with other natural beauties of the region, have led to the Murgia of Altamura being included in the UNESCO tentative list.
Climate
Altamura has a sub-Mediterranean type of climate, with winters moderately cold and summers hot and dry. Snow is rare, but in the winter of 2017, the city was covered in over a meter of snow.
History
Altamura has an ancient and interesting history. It was inhabited by the Peuceti since the earliest times. Unfortunately, due to the illegal commercialization of archaeological relics, archaeological findings in the area have been limited.
However, thanks to the discovery of the Man of Altamura, so called by scholars who discovered the human skeleton dating back to approximately 150,000 years ago, the city has gained great visibility in the world archaeological scene.
What to see in Altamura: Archaeological sites and monuments
The city of Altamura is rich in tourist attractions, including archaeological sites, historical buildings and monuments, churches, and museums.
Archaeological sites
The Lamalunga cave was the location of the finding of the Man of Altamura, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of recent years. Another characteristic geological site in the area is the Pulo di Altamura, a large sinkhole in the heart of the Murgia's limestone plateau.
The dinosaur quarry in the locality of Pontrelli, on the other hand, is a must-visit for those who want to admire the fatal footprints of ancient animals dating back to the Cretaceous period.
Historical buildings and monuments
Altamura is a very ancient city, and this is evident from the presence of numerous historical monuments. One of these is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the heart of the city, dating back to the 13th century and featuring an imposing neoclassical facade.
Other places of particular interest include the Palazzo delle Poste e Telegrafi, the Palazzo Liguori, the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, and the Church of San Michele degli Scalzi.
Furthermore, the city is famous for its bread, the famous Pane di Altamura DOP, which has been included in the list of traditional Italian agri-food products by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies.
What to eat in Altamura: Puglian cuisine
The culinary offer in Altamura and the province of Bari is very diverse and of great quality. Puglian cuisine, in particular, is highly appreciated throughout Italy for its simplicity and genuineness.
Among the local specialties, we cannot fail to mention the famous Pane di Altamura DOP, but also the "i pizz' e must" bread and the potato focaccia. Other typical dishes of the area are orecchiette with turnip greens, garlic, and oil, and meat braciole.
For the sweet-toothed, we recommend trying the pasta tiella, a typical savory pie of the area, with a filling of rice, potatoes, and mussels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Altamura is a city full of surprises, from natural beauties to archaeological and culinary treasures. With this brief summary, we hope to have piqued your interest in visiting this fascinating city and discovering all its wonders.
