The Ultimate Travel Guide: Top Things To Do in Gravina in Puglia

Gravina in Puglia might not be the first name you circle on your map, but it should be. Tucked between Bari and Matera, this ancient hilltop town delivers dramatic ravines, centuries-old churches carved into rock, and quiet medieval streets that still hum with stories. It’s the kind of place where you’ll stumble across Roman ruins on a morning walk and sip local Gravina DOC wine with fresh cheese by afternoon. Known as the “land of wheat and wine,” this lesser-known gem is a dream for curious travelers who crave real-deal Puglia. From its scenic aqueduct bridge to earthy underground caves and family-run Puglia wineries, Gravina packs history, flavor, and beauty into one unforgettable stop.

Best things to do in Gravina in Puglia

Walk the iconic Ponte Acquedotto

Start your Gravina adventure by crossing the jaw-dropping Ponte Acquedotto, where history meets movie magic. This dramatic stone bridge had its moment in No Time To Die, and once you’re standing there, overlooking the gorge with the old town clinging to the cliffs, you’ll see why. Originally part of a Roman aqueduct and later revamped in the 1600s by the Orsini family, the bridge connects two worlds: the urban charm of Gravina and its wild, rocky side dotted with caves.

Explore the underground city

Dive beneath the surface of Gravina, literally, with a visit to Gravina Sotterranea. This underground maze of hand-carved tunnels, cellars, and crypts hides just below the charming streets, revealing a whole other layer of the town’s past. Used for everything from storing wine to hiding from invaders, these secret spaces have stories etched into every stone. Among the most unforgettable things to do in Gravina in Puglia, it’s dark, mysterious, and absolutely one of the coolest ways to get to know the town from the inside out.

Visit the Rock Church of San Michele delle Grotte

Step into the Chiesa Rupestre di San Michele delle Grotte, one of Gravina’s most striking rock churches, carved directly into the limestone. Tucked beneath the surface, this cave sanctuary blends raw geology with centuries of faith. Its ancient frescoes have survived time and turmoil, but what really lingers are the rows of human bones, stacked skulls and femurs, said to belong to victims of a brutal Saracen raid. It’s eerie, atmospheric, and unlike anything you’ll see in more polished cathedrals.

Admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Santa Maria Assunta, Gravina’s cathedral, rises with quiet authority at the edge of the old town. Built in the 11th century, it’s a textbook example of Apulian Romanesque, later touched up with Baroque drama and Norman details. Step inside to find a coffered ceiling worth the neck strain, a series of Madonna artworks spanning centuries, and a layout that reveals the town’s layered history. Among the top things to do in Gravina in Puglia, this cathedral offers not just beauty, but a deep dive into the spiritual and architectural soul of the region.

Wander the old town’s cobblestone streets

Getting lost in Gravina’s old town is half the plan. Narrow alleys twist between whitewashed homes and weathered churches, while the scent of just-baked focaccia drifts from neighborhood ovens. Locals will insist you try the Pane di Altamura DOP, yes, even here in Gravina, it’s sacred bread. Between bites, you’ll stumble upon family-run trattorias, tucked-away wine shops, and tiny artisan stores where time slows down.

Tour the Alta Murgia National Park

Need to stretch your legs and clear your head? Head straight into Alta Murgia National Park. This wild limestone playground rolls across the Altopiano delle Murge, all the way toward Matera. Think dramatic ridgelines, silent shepherd trails, and brush dotted with wild orchids. It’s perfect for a hike, a picnic with a view, or spotting falcons riding the thermals above.

Visit the Sanctuary of Madonna della Stella

The Santuario Madonna della Stella is both a cave sanctuary and architectural delight, carved out from the rock and located in the heart of the ravine. With panoramic views of the town of Gravina, it’s the perfect place for a serene moment during your travel adventure.

Best things to do around Gravina in Puglia

Visit Altamura

12 miles from Gravina in Puglia, Altamura is where history, carbs, and culture collide deliciously. Best known for its golden, crusty pane di Altamura DOP, this lively town serves up more than just legendary bread. Step into the stunning 13th-century cathedral, commissioned by Emperor Frederick II, and marvel at Romanesque details that have stood the test of time. The old town is packed with cafés and trattorias where Murge flavors shine, from grain-based pastas to local cheeses like pallone di Gravina.

And if your appetite for discovery is growing, don’t miss our full guide on the best things to do in Altamura Italy, because trust us, bread is just the beginning.

Wander in the timeless streets of Matera

Just under 30 minutes from Gravina in Puglia, Matera is a stone-carved masterpiece that deserves a top spot on any southern Italy itinerary. Famous for its ancient Sassi districts, UNESCO-listed cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs, Matera feels like a city suspended in time. Wander through centuries-old alleys, explore rock churches tucked into hillsides, and walk along the ravine at sunset for panoramic views you won’t forget. And beyond the caves, the surrounding countryside is home to Matera wineries where you can sip bold Aglianico reds and crisp whites with a view of the ancient skyline.

Ready to explore one of Italy’s most cinematic towns? Don’t miss our guide on the best things to do in Matera Italy, where history, wine, and wonder go hand in hand.

Where Primitivo meets Limestone storylines

Nestled between Gioia del Colle and Acquaviva delle Fonti, Cantine Polvanera is a family-rooted winery that literally grows from the land, its cellar tunneled deep into seven meters of limestone rock. Over 120 hectares of vineyards stretch across a landscape dotted with dry-stone walls and downy oaks, where organic tradition meets clarity in every bottle. Inside the restored 1820s manor (once a charcoal barn), you’ll taste indie grapes like Primitivo, Aglianico, Minutolo, and Moscato in intimate wine tastings, tours, and culinary pairings.

Roam through Bari’s historic heart and waterfront

54 minutes from Gravina in Puglia, Bari, the vibrant capital of the region, is the perfect place to start or wrap up your Apulian adventure. Lose yourself in the lively Bari Vecchia, where locals still roll orecchiette by hand in the streets near the Basilica di San Nicola. Between bites of seafood and sips of espresso, make time for Bari wine tastings in tucked-away enotecas that showcase the region’s underrated vintages. The historic center eventually gives way to a breezy seafront promenade lined with gelato stands, palm trees, and Aperol spritzes at sunset.

Planning a coastal detour before diving into the inland charm of Gravina? Don’t miss our insider picks for the best things to do Bari Italy, it’s more than just a gateway, it’s a vibe.

Good to know before visiting Gravina in Puglia