Pulo di Altamura: excursion in the Alta Murgia National Park

Immersed in the Alta Murgia National Park, walking here one has the sensation of being in a large open space in which one can wander with one's gaze towards infinite horizons characterized by the pungent smells of mint and wild thyme in the intense green of the wheat fields or rocky pastures among the evident yellow of the ferula, meeting orchids and birds of prey. In this land, emperors, peasants, shepherds, woodsmen, together with the climate, have made the landscape and its culture unique. On the way we will meet stupendous farmhouses, we will cross oak woods, along the ancient sheep tracks of transhumance we will discover jazzi and post offices, we will travel along panoramic mule tracks and among the wheat fields we will admire large haystacks and ancient cisterns. On the hills, flocks of sheep will blend in with the characteristic sharp rocks that give this area its name. We will reach the octagonal stone crown isolated on a hill at 540 meters above sea level. from where a vast panorama is dominated.

1. 1

   Il Pulo

   3 hours

   We will enter the Pulo di Altamura, one of the major karst testimonies of the Alta Murgia National Park. A truly unique scenario, a collapsed sinkhole with a diameter greater than over 700 m and a depth of approximately 90 meters with numerous caves, an ancient hermitage and a sinkhole. Magical place, inhabited by man since 5000 years ago, where cults were practiced in the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, evidenced by the findings of human remains, engraved pebbles and the precious fossil of the Cypraea shell. We will explore some of these dark places and then walk along panoramic rocky paths, among meadows of ferules and asphodels, under the flight of various species of birds of prey, including the kestrel and the migratory kestrel, and other birds. At the end of the excursion you can reach the historic center of Altamura to taste the famous Altamura bread, made with durum wheat semolina from Alta Murgia, cooked in ancient stone ovens and renowned since the Middle Ages.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.