Grottole
Discover Grottole, the ancient city in the heart of Basilicata
Welcome to Grottole, a beautiful city located in the province of Matera, in Basilicata. With a population of 2,045 inhabitants, Grottole is rich in history and culture, and offers visitors a wide range of attractions to discover.
Physical geography
Territory
Grottole covers a territory of about 11,000 hectares, between two rivers, the Basento and the Bradano, and two streams, the Rovivo and the Bilioso, converge there. Part of the territory is located within the San Giuliano Regional Reserve, and on the hill to the northeast, there is the beautiful Le Coste forest, an ideal place for outdoor excursions. The city center is situated 482 meters above sea level, and it is surrounded by municipalities such as Irsina, Gravina di Puglia, Matera, Miglionico, Salandra, Ferrandina, Grassano, and Tricarico.
Climate
The climate of Grottole is very pleasant, with average temperatures ranging between 6.0 degrees Celsius in the coldest month, January, and 25.1 degrees Celsius in the hottest month, August.
The history of Grottole
Grottole is one of the oldest centers in the region, with origins dating back to remote times. It is believed that the name of the city may be derived from the Greek Kruptai, hidden places, and from the Latin ''cryptulae'', or ''small caves'', which were used for making pottery, an art for which Grottole has remained famous over the centuries. During the Magna Graecia era, Grottole was part of the VII Metapontine region, colonized by the Greeks starting from the 8th century B.C. The city was fortified by the Lombards, from whom it managed to free itself around the year 1000. In 1061, during the Norman era, the feud of Grottole passed under the dominion of Guglielmo Braccio di Ferro, and subsequently passed to Roberto il Guiscardo and then to the Loffredo counts of Matera. Over the centuries, the feud of Grottole was contested by different Signories, and the city passed into the hands of important personalities such as Ruggero di Lauro, count of Tricarico, the marchesi Sanchez De Luna d'Aragona and the Gaetani Dell'Aquila d'Aragona family.
Things to see in Grottole
Grottole is a city that offers many opportunities to visitors. Among the most famous attractions, there are the numerous cave houses, carved into the rock and still inhabited, which give the city a unique charm. Also worth visiting are the Mother Church, the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, the rock church of San Nicola, and the Baronial Palace. There are also plenty of beautiful walks to be had around exploring the wildlife and flora of the territory, or visits to local wineries to discover the famous wines of Basilicata.
Culinary traditions
Grottole offers visitors a wide choice of culinary specialties. Among these are the famous Cavatelli, homemade pasta with meat sauce and grated pecorino cheese, stuffed Peppers, grilled Eggplant, Sausage in sauce, Caciocavallo Podolico cheese, Formaggio di Fossa, and local olive oils. All of this, of course, to be enjoyed with a glass of Aglianico del Vulture, the typical wine of the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grottole is a beautiful city full of history and culture, immersed in the beauty of the Basilicata region. Both residents and visitors fall in love with its natural beauty, historical treasures, gastronomy, and the hospitality of the people. If you're looking for a special place to relax and breathe the authentic atmosphere of Italy, Grottole is the right place for you.
