Bosco Difesa Grande

Located between Gravina and Basentello streams, this Mediterranean forest spans 5,268 hectares with elevations ranging from 245 to 466 meters above sea level.

During the Norman period, this woodland supplied timber to local communities and received the name 'Difesa Grande' in the 17th century, indicating restricted usage rights.

The forest contains archaeological evidence of past military installations, including a former missile base from the Cold War period.

The area is accessible by following Provincial Road 53 southward from Gravina in Puglia for 2 kilometers, then turning right and continuing for 4 kilometers.

The forest sustains the Stipa austroitalica, an endemic grass species of the Murge region protected under European conservation directives.

Location: Province of Bari

Part of: Natura 2000

GPS coordinates: 40.74639,16.41361

Latest update: November 21, 2025 06:34