There’s a corner of Apulia where the land turns rugged and the colors unfold across hollows, hills, escarpments, and ravines. This landscape is shaped by limestone, giving rise to many karst features: sinkholes, canyons, dolines, and caves. You won’t find permanent surface rivers, but the underground hides aquifers and secret streams.
We’re in the Murge region, a mosaic of authentic landscapes, quiet villages, and trails weaving between dry-stone walls and whitewashed farmhouses. This extraordinary area is part of the Alta Murgia National Park, one of southern Italy’s most captivating protected zones. Time flows differently here: you walk slowly, listen to the wind in the olive trees, and watch the light shift over the ravines.
The Murge invite you to travel slowly and consciously. It’s a land to explore on foot or by bike, guided by the scents of the Mediterranean scrub and the warmth of local hospitality. In this varied landscape, Castellana Grotte is the perfect starting point to explore nature, art, history, and true local flavors.
An Underground World to Discover
Castellana Grotte is world-famous for its extraordinary karst caves. The Castellana Caves, among Italy’s most spectacular cave systems, stretch for over 3 kilometers underground. Visitors can join a guided tour that descends 70 meters deep into a realm of stalactites, stalagmites, and glowing caverns. The journey ends in the stunning White Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
After visiting the caves, take time to explore the historic center, with its baroque churches, stone lanes, and hidden courtyards. Nearby, don’t miss Putignano, known for one of Europe’s oldest carnivals, or Conversano, with its Norman castle and the Abbey of San Benedetto. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking trails and bike paths through olive groves and vineyards, connecting farms, forests, and nature reserves.
Ravines, Castles, and Trails in Alta Murgia Park
Just to the west, the land opens onto the rocky plateaus of the Alta Murgia National Park. Here, silence reigns, broken only by the cry of birds of prey or the rustling of dry grass in the wind. Walk the transhumance routes, ancient pastoral paths that cross the park.
A vast network of trails invites exploration on foot or by mountain bike. You’ll pass old sheep enclosures, historic farms, and limestone outcrops. A must-see is Castel del Monte, the mysterious octagonal castle built by Frederick II and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It rises alone on a hill, watching over the countryside.
To explore the ravines, head to Laterza, where a breathtaking canyon winds through rock and Mediterranean scrub. Another hidden gem is the Terra delle Gravine Regional Park, full of biodiversity and scenic wonders. The entire area encourages slow and respectful travel, rich in genuine encounters and nature-based experiences.
Rural Traditions, Festivals, and Ancient Flavors
In the heart of the Murge, rural life still sets the pace of everyday rhythms. Traditional farming knowledge lives on, along with dry-stone wall building and the making of olive oil, cheese, wine, and preserves. The local cuisine is simple but full of flavor: handmade orecchiette, wood-fired focaccia, heirloom legumes, wild greens, local wines, and almond desserts tell the story of a seasonal, authentic food culture.
In Castellana Grotte, this heritage is celebrated each year with the Fanòve, evocative bonfires lit on the night of January 11 in honor of the Madonna della Vetrana. This centuries-old tradition transforms the town into a stage of fire, devotion, and community spirit. In surrounding villages, rural festivals, historic re-enactments, and artisan markets keep local traditions alive. You’ll find culture not just in events, but in everyday gestures, in genuine hospitality, and stories told over a glass of wine.
Sleep in an Organic Masseria in Alta Murgia: Welcome to Serragambetta
To truly connect with this land, there’s nothing better than staying in an authentic masseria, nestled in the Puglian countryside. Halfway between the famous Castellana Caves and elegant Conversano, the Serragambetta agriturismo dates back to around 1880. Today it’s a haven of hospitality, where rural tradition meets eco-sustainability.
At Serragambetta, guests are welcomed with family warmth and deep respect for nature. Life moves at a slower pace here. In the ICEA-certified organic garden, fresh vegetables, fruits, and legumes grow with the seasons — from chicory to apricots, from tomatoes to figs. Everything served at the table — from bread to pizza — is handmade using natural ingredients and baked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
The day begins with a simple, delicious breakfast of garden produce, homemade jams, and fresh pastries. In the evening, around the long communal table, guests share stories and plan new adventures. Sometimes the night ends with an impromptu pizzica or tarantella, especially if musician friends are around. These summer evenings turn dinner into a celebration of simplicity and the good life.
The seven guest units, housed in restored rural buildings, were renovated with care and love for original architecture. A pool offers a refreshing break, and the Adriatic Sea is just 12 km away.
Serragambetta is the perfect place for a holiday immersed in nature, wellness, and sustainability.
Agriturismo Biologico Serragambetta – Agriturismo Ecosostenibile a Castellana Grotte, Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, IT 
