Free walking tours in Altamura and what to see

Must-sees

Altamura is the main town of the Murgia, inland in the province of Bari. Its symbol is the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded by Frederick II in the 13th century, which blends Apulian Romanesque with Gothic details and has a richly carved portal and a large rose window. Around it lies an old town with dozens of claustri, small enclosed courtyards entered through an alley that were the centre of neighbourhood life.

The town is also famous for Altamura Man, a hominid skeleton more than a hundred thousand years old found in the Lamalunga cave in the nearby countryside. The cave cannot be visited, but you can see it on video at a visitor centre next to it. In town is the National Archaeological Museum, with finds from the area. And don't leave without trying Altamura bread, baked in a wood-fired oven, with protected designation of origin.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Altamura. What you can book is a guided walk of the town, covering the cathedral, the old town and some of its claustri, with explanations about the time of Frederick II and the bread tradition. It helps you find courtyards you would miss on your own. For Altamura Man and the Murgia countryside, the practical option is to go by car.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the cathedral, the claustri and a stop at a bakery. With a full day you can add the archaeological museum and the Lamalunga visitor centre. If you have more time, the Alta Murgia National Park is good for walking, and Gravina in Puglia and Matera are very close, so Altamura works well as a base for two or three days.

Where to stay

In and around the old town there are guesthouses and small hotels in restored palazzi, convenient for getting around on foot. The new town has larger hotels with parking. If you travel by car, the masserie of the Murgia countryside offer silence and local cooking, and Matera is less than half an hour away if you want to combine both visits.