Altamura

Altamura is an important historical town situated in the heart of the Puglia (Apulia) region of south-east Italy best known for its cathedral and Museum of Cave art.

The town is built on a hill with commanding views of the nearby Adriatic Sea and the surrounding countryside. It was founded in the 9th century by the Lombards who named it Altamira, meaning “high view”. Over the centuries it has been ruled by the Normans, Hohenstaufens, Angevins, and Aragonese before becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

The Duomo di Altamura, a cathedral built in the 13th century, is one of the town’s most important landmarks. It has a striking façade with three portals and a rose window. Inside the cathedral is the tomb of Saint Nicola, the patron saint of Altamura.

Near the cathedral is the Museum of Cave Art which is housed in the former convent of Santa Maria della Grazia. The museum contains a rich collection of prehistoric cave art from the nearby caves of Lamalunga, Tanzarena, and Riparo di Altamura.