Altamura Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Altamura, a charming town located in the Apulia region of Italy, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience. Steeped in history and culture, Altamura offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern charm that will captivate visitors from the moment they arrive.

One of the main attractions in Altamura is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. This stunning cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is known for its impressive rose window and intricate stone carvings. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes and the crypt, which houses the mummified remains of a noblewoman from the 16th century.

Altamura is also famous for its delicious bread, known as "Pane di Altamura." This traditional bread is made with durum wheat and baked in wood-fired ovens, resulting in a distinctive flavor and crispy crust. Visitors can explore the local bakeries and even participate in bread-making workshops to learn the secrets of this culinary tradition.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Altamura National Archaeological Museum is a must. This museum showcases artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages, providing a fascinating insight into the region's rich historical past. Highlights include the renowned "Man of Altamura," a fossilized skeleton of a Neanderthal man discovered in a nearby cave.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the beautiful countryside surrounding Altamura. The Alta Murgia National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, deep canyons, and expansive pastures. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or even on horseback, taking in the unspoiled beauty of this natural oasis.

As evening falls, Altamura comes alive with bustling piazzas and vibrant street markets. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, stopping at local shops to browse for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Indulge in the local cuisine at traditional trattorias, savoring dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Alternative names: Population: 67.8 thous.Area: 166.56 mi²Elevation: 1552 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°49'40"N, 16°33'13"E

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ApuliaItaly

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Altamura Top Attractions

Altamura Attractions - What to See and Explore

Altamura offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Piazza Duomo, Altamura Diocesan Museum Matroneum, Altamura Cathedral, Porta Bari. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sacred and religious sites • Architecture • Church
Piazza Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is the main square of the city of Altamura, Italy. It is located in the center of the historic city center, as well as in the middle of the main street of the city, that is corso Federico II di Svevia.
Museum
Altamura Diocesan Museum Matroneum
Altamura Diocesan Museum Matroneum is a museum located inside Altamura Cathedral, whose entrance is on the left side of the church's main entrance. It is located on the second and third floors, in the so-called matroneum of Altamura Cathedral. Among other things, the museum holds statues from the Middle Ages, the XV and XVI centuries.
Historical place • Church • Romanesque architecture
Altamura Cathedral
Altamura Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the city of Altamura, in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, in southern Italy.

Arch
Porta Bari
Porta Bari, previously called Porta de Bari, was one of the main gates of the city of Altamura, before the city walls of the city were torn down over the 19th century.
Memorial
Megalithic Walls of Altamura
The Megalithic Walls of Altamura are defensive walls dating back to the 4th century BCE. They were the city walls of the ancient city of Altamura, Italy. Nowadays, only a few parts of the original wall remain; the original track of the wall spanned over a length of about 3.6 km.
Museum
Archivio Biblioteca Museo Civico
The Archivio Biblioteca Museo Civico is an organization which mainly serves as library and museum and it is located in Altamura, Italy.
Cemetery
Altamura Cemetery
Altamura Cemetery in Italy was established in 1942 and is still in use. It replaced the previous cemetery, which is inside the new cemetery. The area of the old cemetery is called il cimitero vecchio.
Arch
Porta Matera
Porta Matera was one of the main gates of the old city of Altamura. They were part of the City Walls of Altamura, which were completely demolished during the nineteenth century since they had become useless for defence purposes. The gate itself was demolished in 1872.
Prehistoric site
Altamura Man
The Altamura Man is a fossil of the genus Homo discovered in 1993 in a karst sinkhole in the Lamalunga Cave near the city of Altamura, Italy. Remarkably well preserved but covered in a thick layer of calcite taking the shape of cave popcorn the find was left in situ in order to avoid damage.
40°48'23"N • 16°37'28"E
Dinosaur Quarry of Altamura
The Dinosaur Quarry of Altamura, also known as cava dei dinosauri or cava Pontrelli, is an area of scientific interest located in the countryside of the city of Altamura, Italy, where about 4000 footprints of dinosaurs have been found.
40°49'39"N • 16°33'31"E
Archaeological Museum
History museum • Museum
Memorial
Epitaph of Altamura
The Epitaph of Altamura is a monument located in Altamura, Southern Italy, erected right after the visit in city, on 8 April 1807, of Joseph Bonaparte, who had just become king of Naples. The commemorative epitaph is located in largo Epitaffio.
40°49'34"N • 16°33'23"E
City Walls of Altamura
The City Walls of Altamura were a military structure meant for defensive purposes and located in the city of Altamura, Italy. Its origin dates back to the Middle Ages and it was in use until the 19th century when it started to be gradually torn down.
View point
Pulo di Altamura
Pulo di Altamura is a doline located on the Murge plateau. It is the largest doline in that region and it is located about 6 kilometers north-west of the city of Altamura. It shares the local toponym pulo with other large dolines of the region, i.e. Pulicchio di Gravina, Pulo di Molfetta and Pulicchio di Toritto.

Day trips

Altamura – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Altamura, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Castel del Monte (Alta Murgia National Park), Castellana Caves (Castellana Grotte), Basilica di San Nicola (Bari).

23 milesNW
, Forts and castles, Museum
Castel del Monte, Alta Murgia National Park
Perched atop a hill in the heart of the Alta Murgia National Park, Castel del Monte is a unique architectural gem that has fascinated visitors for centuries. This 13th-century castle in Italy is renowned for its distinctive geometric design and the enigmatic symbolism...
31 milesE
2-mile long cave network with a museum
Castellana Caves, Castellana Grotte
Nestled in the town of Castellana Grotte, in the heel of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula, the Castellana Caves are a natural marvel and a must-visit destination for any tourist exploring the region of Puglia. Known in Italian as "Grotte di Castellana," these subterranean...
27 milesNE
Iconic church and pilgrimage destination
Basilica di San Nicola, Bari
Nestled in the charming coastal city of Bari, Italy, the Basilica di San Nicola stands as an architectural marvel and a beacon of religious significance. This revered church, constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries, is not only a magnificent example of...
19 milesE
Forts and castles
Castello Normanno-Svevo, Gioia del Colle
Nestled in the heart of Puglia, Italy, the Castello Normanno-Svevo of Gioia del Colle is a historical fortress that beckons travelers eager to delve into the rich tapestry of Italian history. This imposing medieval castle, whose name reflects the Norman...
12 milesS
Museum, Art museum
Palazzo Lanfranchi, Matera
Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Matera, Italy, the Palazzo Lanfranchi stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and artistic history. This majestic museum, housed in a building that dates back to the 17th century, offers visitors a unique...

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Best Time To Visit Altamura

Learn when is the best time to travel to Altamura weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

April is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in October, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Altamura?

The top attractions to visit in Altamura are:

What is the best time to visit Altamura?

April is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.