Altamura, Medieval commune in Puglia, Italy
Altamura is a commune in the Metropolitan City of Bari in Puglia, resting on the Murge plateau at 467 meters (1532 feet) elevation. Narrow lanes wind through the historic core and open into numerous courtyards known as claustri, which form a characteristic feature of the town layout.
Frederick II refounded the town in 1232 and ordered the building of the cathedral, which later received special privileges from Pope Innocent IV. The commune grew during the medieval period into an important center on the Apulian upland.
The name comes from the Latin alta mura, meaning high walls, which once protected the settlement on the plateau. Locals still gather in the old town squares during evening hours, where cafés spill onto the paving stones and conversations echo through the narrow lanes.
The historic center is easy to explore on foot, as most lanes run level and remain closed to vehicles. Visitors find several parking areas near the main church, from which the town core can be reached within a few minutes.
The Pulo di Altamura forms the largest karst depression in Puglia, dropping 90 meters (295 feet) below the rim of the plateau. Archaeologists discovered traces of Neolithic occupation inside the basin, showing that people used this natural shelter thousands of years ago.
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Ponte Acquedotto
11.5 km
Altamura Cathedral
1.2 km
Pulo di Altamura
8.3 km
Gravina Cathedral
11.5 km
Castello di Gravina
11.1 km
Dinosaur Quarry of Altamura
6.4 km
Megalithic Walls of Altamura
1.9 km
Chiesa di Santa Croce
1.1 km
San Michele
11.6 km
Pulicchio di Gravina
14.5 km
Santuario di Maria Santissima del Buoncammino
3.8 kmBosco Difesa Grande
13.9 km
San Nicola dei Greci
1.3 km
Porta Bari
1.5 km
Chiesa di Sant'Antonio
924 m
Porta Matera
1 km
Chiesa del Purgatorio
11.4 km
National Archaeological Museum of Altamura
1.4 km
Cagnazzi
830 m
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore (Altamura)
1.4 km
Grotta di Lamalunga
6.9 km
Gurio Lamanna
14.7 km
Teatro Mercadante
913 m
Chiesa di Sant'Agostino (Altamura)
1.7 km
Chiesa di San Domenico
858 m
Porta dei Martiri
1.3 kmSanta Chiara Church
1.2 km
Chiesa della Madonna dei Martiri (Altamura)
1.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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