Grottaglie
Discovering Grottaglie: a city of art, ceramics, and wine
Hello friends! Today I want to introduce you to Grottaglie, a city of 30,579 inhabitants located in the province of Taranto, in Puglia. The city was elevated to "Città" in 1997 and is famous for the production of artistic ceramics and table grapes.
Physical geography
Grottaglie is located on a hill of the Murgia called Monte Samuele Pizzuto, in an area marked by the presence of ravines and many caves. In fact, the historic center of the city is completely excavated in tuff. The climate of Grottaglie is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot and humid summers.
History
The name Grottaglie derives from the Latin ''Kriptalys'' and the Greek Κρυπταλύς, which means caves. The city has ancient origins and settlements in the area date back to the Paleolithic era. Additionally, some claim that Quintus Ennius, the father of Latin literature, was born in this land. During the Middle Ages, the habit of living in caves became more common and Grottaglie became an important center for the production of ceramics.
Ceramic art
The ceramics of Grottaglie are famous in Italy and abroad for their beauty and artistic quality. In the historic center of the city, there are numerous ceramic workshops that continue to produce traditional creations. The ceramics of Grottaglie differ in the decoration technique, namely the precious reddish-brown color with which the artifacts are painted.
Table grape production
In Grottaglie, agriculture has been an important source of income for the city since ancient times. In particular, the production of table grapes contributed to the development of the local economy. Among the cultivated grape varieties, the most common is called "Primitivo."
What to see in Grottaglie
If you like art, you can't miss the Ceramic Museum, where the most beautiful artistic creations made by local ceramicists are exhibited. Alternatively, you can visit the Episcopio Castle, which houses the Diocesan Museum with paintings and sacred works of art. If you are looking for nature, you can take a walk in the "Salina dei Monaci" Oriented Nature Reserve where you can admire the local fauna and the splendid landscapes of the area.
Cultural events
Every year in Grottaglie, numerous cultural events are held, including the Musica Mundi International Festival of ethnic and folk music which takes place in the summer months at the Cave di Fantiano. Additionally, in September, the Wine Festival is held where you can taste the best local wines paired with traditional Apulian cuisine.
In conclusion, Grottaglie is a charming city, rich in history, art, culture, and nature. If you have the opportunity to visit this land, you won't be disappointed!
