Attractions and Places To See around Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia, a national park in Puglia, Southern Italy, include a range of historical, cultural, and natural sites. Established in 2004, the park covers over 677 square kilometers and features a karst landscape and Mediterranean steppe. Recognized as a UNESCO Geopark in 2024, it preserves significant geological, natural, and cultural heritage. This region offers diverse opportunities for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia
- The most popular attraction is Castel del Monte, a castle that is a 13th-century fortress built by Frederick II of Swabia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its unique octagonal architecture and historical significance.
- Another must-see spot is Pulo of Altamura, a canyon formed as a sinkhole of karst origin. This natural monument is a circular depression measuring about 500 meters in diameter with a maximum depth of 75 meters.
- Visitors also love Mercadante State Forest, a protected natural area within the park. It offers a landscape rich in vegetation, with trails and paths suitable for cycling and walking.
- Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia is known for its historical sites, unique karst formations, and extensive forests. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to natural sinkholes and protected woodlands.
- The attractions around Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia are appreciated by the komoot community, with 368 upvotes and 460 photos shared across 67 highlights.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Castel del Monte
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Pulo of Altamura
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This created a more or less circular depression with a diameter of about 500 m. with a maximum depth of 75 meters. Along the walls, which are very steep in some points, caves and ravines have been created which indicate the different levels of excavation by the waters. These caves represent a real archaeological heritage because they were inhabited since the earliest ages of prehistory.
The route includes an unpaved stretch of about 1 km that can also be easily covered by racing bike.
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Mercadante State Forest
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In addition, there are several cycling areas in this area that can be traveled mainly by MTB and, not only, also by Gravel.
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Pugliese Aqueduct Bridge and Jazzo del Demonio
Highlight • Bridge
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Jazzo of the Devil
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A handful of kilometers from Ruvo di Puglia and Corato, this bridge overlooks the Scoparella forest and the so-called jazzo del Demonio, two of the last wooded places where it is still possible to find specimens of downy oak, once much more present throughout the Apulian territory.
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Jazzo del Demonio recalls a disturbing story from 1870, when two shepherds, taking refuge in the jazzo, met a tired traveller. A sudden revelation of his cloven hooves revealed his demonic identity, giving the place an atmosphere of sulphurous curse and a tale passed down for over 150 years.
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Once taken place, however, everything suddenly changes. Sitting down, the gentleman lifts his habit, leaving his legs uncovered and thus showing two goat legs that end in a hoof. The shepherds, moved by enormous fright, scream "the devil", taking refuge under an iron crucifix. And the mysterious gentleman at that point, after glaring at the two, vanishes in a flash, leaving behind only the smell of sulfur. The next morning the shepherds, after spending a night on the alert, told everyone about the strange encounter. The story spread everywhere and since then, more than 150 years later, there isn't a person who passes by here doesn't remember the night when the Devil got lost in the countryside of the isolated Murgia.
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It is a winter night in 1870 when two shepherds with their flock take refuge in the jazzo to find shelter from the cold. While they are around the fire, their dogs start barking for no reason, one after the other for at least half an hour, until the wind stops whistling. At that moment the shepherds, wrapped in a surreal silence, are moved by a loud and repeated knock on the door. So they go to open the door and find a dilapidated traveler on the threshold, covered in a habit and a large hood. The man reports that he lost his way and was drawn there by the smoke from the fire. Despite the strange tone of voice, somewhat hoarse and difficult to understand, the two let him in to offer him shelter.
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A very singular story gives the name to this site: in fact, it is said that on a winter night in 1870 Satan in person visited two shepherds who, with their flock, had stopped to rest in the jazzo.
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The Mercadante Forest is a protected wooded area that extends for 1,300 hectares between the municipalities of Cassano delle Murge and Altamura. It was born in 1928 from a reforestation project after a flood, and hosts different species of trees, such as oaks, cedars and cypresses. It is the ideal place to cool off among the trees on hot summer days and take a break in one of the areas equipped with picnic tables.
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Is it feasible with gravel bikes?
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Very suggestive place, memory of the period of transhumance (ie the movement of livestock). The name "Jazzo del Demonio" is very evocative and comes from a legend featuring two shepherds and, of course, the devil. It is worth stopping for a few moments to observe the stone structure but above all to admire the centenary oak enclosed in what was once the sheep pen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia?
The park is renowned for its unique karst landscape. You can explore significant sinkholes like the Pulo of Altamura, the largest in the area, or the Pulo di Gravina. The region also features the deep gorge of Gravina di Matera with its stunning rock formations, and several forests such as Mercadante State Forest, ideal for nature walks.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit within the park?
Absolutely. The most iconic historical site is Castel del Monte, a 13th-century octagonal fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other notable sites include the beautiful Altamura Cathedral, the ancient town of Minervino Murge with its Scesicola district and St. Michael's Cave, and Gravina in Puglia, home to the park's headquarters, a Renaissance-Romanesque cathedral, and the fascinating Gravina Underground.
What unique geological formations can be found in the Alta Murgia National Park?
Beyond the prominent karst sinkholes like the Pulo of Altamura, the park also features the Bauxite Mines of Murgetta near Spinazzola, offering an interesting geological insight. The entire park is recognized as a UNESCO Geopark for its significant geological heritage.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the park?
Yes, several areas are suitable for families. Mercadante State Forest offers trails and paths perfect for walking and cycling, with equipped picnic areas. Exploring the ancient towns like Altamura or Gravina in Puglia can also be an engaging experience for all ages, especially discovering the Gravina Underground.
Where can I see ancient architecture or traditional structures in the region?
The park is rich in ancient structures. Besides Castel del Monte, you can find numerous 'Jazzi' – ancient rock constructions used as shelters for herds during transhumance – scattered across the territories of Andria, Gravina, Ruvo, Minervino, and Spinazzola. Additionally, many fortified 'Masseria' (farms) dating back to the 15th century showcase the region's agricultural heritage.
What outdoor activities are available near the attractions in Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia?
The park offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking, mountain biking, and cycling on various trails. For instance, there are routes like the 'Jazzo Corto Gigli – Jazzo of the Devil loop' for gravel biking, or the 'Castel del Monte – Old Stone Aqueduct Bridge loop' for mountain biking. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia, MTB Trails around Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia, and Cycling around Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia guides.
Can I find any unique wildlife or plant species in the park?
Yes, the park is a biodiversity hotspot. It protects the last example of the Mediterranean steppe in Italy, characterized by wild orchids and various plant species like 'lampascioni' and wild asparagus. The fauna includes foxes, stone martens, hares, hedgehogs, and numerous bird species, most notably the lesser kestrel, which is a symbol of the park.
What are some notable towns or villages to visit around the park?
Beyond Altamura and Gravina in Puglia, consider visiting Minervino Murge, known as the 'Balcony of Puglia' for its panoramic views. Ruvo di Puglia, located to the east, is a center for wine and olive oil production and boasts a beautiful historical center with impressive architecture and museums.
Is there a specific time of year recommended for visiting Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia?
The park offers beauty year-round, but spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are generally recommended. During these seasons, the weather is milder, making it ideal for hiking and exploring, and the Mediterranean steppe is particularly vibrant with wildflowers in spring.
What is the significance of the 'Jazzi' structures found in the park?
Jazzi are ancient rock constructions that were vital to the region's pastoral history. They served as shelters for herds during transhumance, the seasonal movement of livestock. The Jazzo of the Devil, for example, is not only a historical structure but also associated with local legends.
Are there any ancient human or dinosaur traces in the Alta Murgia region?
Yes, the region holds significant paleontological and archaeological discoveries. The Pontrelli quarry near Altamura is famous as the 'valley of dinosaurs,' where over 30,000 dinosaur footprints were discovered. Additionally, the Lamalunga Cave housed the 'Altamura Man,' a trace of *Homo arcaicus* dating back 250,000 years.
Where can I go for a relaxing walk or picnic in the park?
Several forests within the park are perfect for relaxing walks and picnics. Mercadante State Forest is a popular choice with equipped areas. Other green spaces include Mesola's forest, Lagopetto's municipal pine forest, Galietti's pine forest, Acquatetta Forest, and Lama Balice.
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