Gravina in Puglia, Medieval commune in Apulia, Italy
Gravina in Puglia is a commune in the Metropolitan City of Bari, spread over hilly terrain with valleys and composed of stone structures with narrow lanes. The buildings cluster along natural landforms and create a tight network of staircases and small squares.
The settlement grew from the Roman town of Silvium, positioned along the Via Appia between Rome and the port city of Brundisium. Over the centuries rulers changed, but the strategic location along the ancient trade route remained a key element.
The Church of San Giorgio lends its name to the fair, which has brought together merchants and farmers from across the region since the late Middle Ages. Visitors today can still see how religious heritage blends with market traditions as the streets fill with stalls during the festival.
The town lies within the Metropolitan City of Bari and connects via regional roads to neighboring communes. Travelers can explore the old town on foot, though they should prepare for steep sections and uneven cobblestones.
Deep ravines in the terrain formed through water erosion over thousands of years and create natural caves. Residents used these cavities as dwellings and storage for centuries, and some remain visible today.
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