Monte Sant'Elia, Protected summit in Massafra, Italy.

Monte Sant'Elia is a hill of about 400 metres in the southern Murge orientali, in the municipality of Massafra, inside a WWF protected oasis. Its slopes are covered by the bosco Caracciolo, a Mediterranean scrub and holm-oak wood that runs from Mottola towards Martina Franca. From the summit the view reaches the Gulf of Taranto and the Pollino massif.

The mountain's slopes hold a masseria made of several dwelling units, including a group of 17 trulli whose construction type dates them to the 17th century. Behind the trulli are jazzi, dry-stone enclosures for animals. The masseria lies within the WWF protected oasis.

The summit reflects centuries of pastoral life through its stone-built animal shelters and dwelling ruins that dot the landscape. These structures show how herders once organized their daily routines across the mountain's slopes.

The mountain offers several hiking routes through its forest, with some paths linking nearby towns and allowing for different walk lengths. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water when exploring the trails, especially for longer outings.

The mountain hosts many species of wild orchids that bloom during spring and summer months across its slopes. These flowers make it a rewarding destination for those interested in Mediterranean plant life.