Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia
Puglia
Alta Murgia National Park, established in 2004, is a sprawling protected area covering over 677 square kilometers in the Murgia plateau of southern Italy's Puglia region. The park is renowned for its distinctive karst topography, including large sinkholes such as Pulo di Altamura and Pulicchio di Gravina. It houses significant cultural heritage sites, notably Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic medieval castle. The park also preserves archaeological sites like Lamalunga cave, home to the Altamura Man, a well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton dating back approximately 150,000 years. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes ranging from grass steppes, pine forests, and rocky formations to historical Swabian castles and ancient rock constructions known as jazzi, used during transhumance. The park supports a rich biodiversity with Mediterranean vegetation including oak species, cypress, Aleppo pine, and a variety of orchids and aromatic plants. Alta Murgia offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit Alta Murgia National Park is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and flora is vibrant. Advance booking is recommended for guided tours, especially to Castel del Monte and archaeological sites. Visitors can benefit from discounted rates by purchasing combined tickets or visiting during off-peak hours. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are advised due to the park's rugged terrain and Mediterranean climate.
Interesting facts
- •Castel del Monte within the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of southern Italy's most famous castles.
- •The Lamalunga cave houses the Altamura Man, a Neanderthal skeleton dating back about 150,000 years.
- •The park contains the largest karst sinkhole in the area, Pulo di Altamura, located about 6 km north of Altamura.
- •In 1999, approximately thirty thousand dinosaur footprints were discovered in Altamura, making it one of the richest dinosaur track sites worldwide.
- •The park protects unique rock constructions called jazzi, historically used during periods of transhumance.
- •The flora includes recently discovered species such as Ophrys murgiana, a type of orchid.
History
Alta Murgia National Park was officially established by presidential decree on March 10, 2004, to protect the unique grass steppe habitat and cultural heritage of the Murgia plateau.
The park encompasses parts of the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani.
Over centuries, the area has been shaped by natural karst processes and human activity, including medieval castle construction and transhumance pastoralism.
In September 2024, the park was designated as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, recognizing its geological and cultural significance.
Place Guide
Castel del Monte1240s
A renowned 13th-century octagonal castle built by Emperor Frederick II, known for its unique architecture blending Gothic and Islamic styles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of medieval power and mystery.
Lamalunga CavePaleolithic period
A karst cave famous for the discovery of the Altamura Man, a remarkably well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton dating back around 150,000 years. The cave also contains faunal remains between 400,000 and 500,000 years old.
Pulo di Altamura
The largest karst sinkhole in the park, approximately 6 km north of Altamura, showcasing impressive geological formations and serving as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
Dinosaur Footprint Site in Altamura1999 discovery
An extraordinary paleontological site where about thirty thousand dinosaur footprints were discovered in 1999, making it one of the richest dinosaur track deposits globally.
Jazzi Rock Constructions
Traditional dry stone structures used during transhumance to shelter livestock, found mainly in Andria, Gravina, Ruvo, Minervino, and Spinazzola within the park.
Contact
Phone: 080 326 2268
