Postcard views among lush vegetation, secular caves, olive trees and crypts. For millions of years the soft limestone has been eroded by the waters that have created spectacular grooves in the rock, shaped by men over the centuries to make shelters and churches.

We are talking about the Gravine di Grottaglie (TA), a well-known City of Ceramics which rises precisely on a karst territory.

The name of the city itself means other caves and a few kilometers from the historic center it is possible to admire them. Testimony of a rock civilization that has expressed artistic peculiarities that have come down to us thanks to the frescoes of the churches.

Nature reigns supreme here and there are three main ravines of Grottaglie that can still be visited:

Lama di Penzieri, del Fullonese e di Fantiano.

Lama di Penzieri

A small oasis of peace, surrounded by greenery and silence. The caves that open along the steep walls are connected by narrow paths and ladders carved into the rock. Here it is possible to contemplate the church of San Biagio (dating back to 1500).

Fascinating in its simplicity, also thanks to the large traces of frescoes and polychrome sculptures. The paintings on the vault and on the walls represent one of the most interesting pictorial cycles in Puglia inspired by Byzantine models. They are represented by Christological scenes also inspired by the apocryphal Gospels and figures of Saints.

Lama del Fullonese

It is about 800 meters long and walking along it you will discover the numerous caves that open up along the sides of the ravine, covered with thick bushes of thyme, serpillo and rue that intensely perfume the environment, while trees occupy the various terraces. The caves have various shapes depending on the various needs of the people who lived there over the centuries. The name "fullonese" derives from "fullones" or tanner or dyer, a profession practiced by a small colony of Jews, escaped from the massacre and fire of Oria in 977. On the right side of the ravine you can see the rock church initially called dei SS. Peter and Paul (VI-VII) and later known as San Pietro dei Giudei, composed of two elements with a rock altar cut off the wall, on which once stood a crucifix with the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist on the sides , San Paolo and San Leonardo.

Gravina di Fantiano

The rock settlement of the Fantiano quarries was one of the most important centers of the Grottagliese community during the Middle Ages.

The ravine lies between the pine forest and the Mediterranean scrub, once a splendid natural setting for an important medieval rock settlement, one of the most populous centers of the community.

Frequented since the Neolithic period, the rock habitat was characterized by large terraces, on which there are numerous rooms, including one with a cistern, accessible via a staircase in the rock. From here you pass to a garden created in a terrace, on which there are some caves and numerous collections for hives. Its quarries are now home to an open-air theater that hosts major cultural events.

The cave environment of Grottaglie is also visible in its famous Ceramiche District, which is located a few steps from the historic center.

Compared to what happens in other centers of ancient ceramic production, Grottaglie (TA) is the only city of ceramics with a district entirely dedicated to the production of this type of crafts. It rises in a rocky environment and thanks to the potters, who over the centuries along the ravine of San Giorgio have created workshops and cooking ovens, a flourishing artisan activity has developed, recognized and appreciated all over the world.

Today Grottaglie with its 50 pottery workshops is included in the restricted list of the 37 cities of Italian ceramics.

Guided excursions

The Grott'Art association organizes excursions to the Grottaglie ravines and the tours are designed and conducted by environmental hiking guides Aigae (Italian Association of Environmental Hiking Guides).

Participation is open to a maximum of 20 participants and therefore it is necessary to book.

August and September:

Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon excursions from 17:00 to 20:00 departing from the association's headquarters in via Umberto I n 45 Grottaglie.

October and November:

Every Saturday and Sunday excursions in the ravine from 9:00 to 13:00 with departure from the headquarters of the association in via Umberto I n 45 Grottaglie.

It is mandatory to show up with a mask and respect social distancing. Comfortable clothing and shoes are required.

At the end of each path there is a tasting of typical products.

Info:

Info-Point Grottaglie

Castello Episcopio, largo Maria Immacolata

099 5623866

infopoint@comune.grottaglie.ta.it

Duration: about 3 hours

Difficulty T / E (tourist / excursion)

Participation fees:

Adults from 9 euros to 15 euros depending on the route included

Children from 7 to 14 years: 7 euros

Minors are allowed only if accompanied by an adult.

Note: the description of the services is based on a press release sent on behalf of the Municipality of Grottaglie, updated at the end of August 2020