Altamura

Orientation

Altamura stands on the limestone Murgia plateau in inland Apulia, southwest of Bari. Its compact historic centre is best approached on foot: lanes tighten around the cathedral, then open unexpectedly into claustri—small shared courtyards framed by stone houses, arches and stairs.

Start at Piazza Duomo. The city’s medieval core is concentrated here, with bakeries, churches and everyday local life folded into a walkable grid.

Cathedral and old town

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was commissioned by Frederick II in 1232 as a palatine church. Its façade is the city’s defining monument: two towers frame a rose window and a deeply carved portal carried by columns resting on lions.

Allow time to work outward through the lanes rather than following a rigid circuit. The claustri are residential spaces, not open-air museum rooms; keep voices down and do not block doorways. Look for the shifting layers of medieval stonework, later façades and small arches around the cathedral quarter.

Pane di Altamura PDO

Bread is a serious local speciality, not a souvenir label. Pane di Altamura PDO is made from re-milled durum-wheat semolina, sourdough or mother yeast, water and sea salt. The protected loaf must weigh at least 500 grams, with a thick crust and straw-yellow crumb.

Two classic shapes appear in local bakeries:

• U sckuanète: the taller, folded loaf.
• A cappidde de prèvete: the lower “priest’s hat” form.

Buy from a bakery displaying the PDO designation if that certification matters to you. A fresh wedge works simply with olive oil, tomatoes, cheese or a bowl of legumes; the bread’s firm crust was historically valued for keeping well.

Prehistory and the plateau

Altamura’s territory reaches beyond the old town into the karst landscape of the Alta Murgia. The National Archaeological Museum provides context for the area’s prehistoric and ancient finds, including material linked to the famous Altamura Man, a Neanderthal discovery from Lamalunga Cave.

For a short outdoor extension, Pulo di Altamura is a large karst sinkhole about 6 km northwest of town. It is exposed terrain: take water, proper footwear and sun protection, especially outside the cooler spring and autumn months.

Getting there and moving around

Regional Ferrovie Appulo Lucane services link Altamura with Bari; the station is outside the historic core, so allow time for the walk or a local connection. By car, the SS96 is the principal route from Bari. Leave the car outside the centre: traffic restrictions operate in parts of the historic district, while the cathedral quarter is best explored on foot.