The Terra delle Gravine Natural Park: the karst canyons of the province of Taranto, between Laterza, Castellaneta, Massafra and Mottola. Trekking, nature and rock churches.
History
The Terra delle Gravine Regional Natural Park is a protected area established in Puglia in 2005, covering around 28,000 hectares across 13 towns of the province of Taranto (including Ginosa, Laterza, Castellaneta, Mottola, Massafra and Grottaglie) and one in the province of Brindisi.
It takes its name from the gravine (ravines), deep karst gorges carved into the soft limestone by rainwater and ancient watercourses: genuine canyons, in some cases over 200 metres deep, reminiscent of the American ones.
These caves sheltered humankind from the Palaeolithic onwards and hosted, between the Early Middle Ages and the Byzantine era, an extraordinary rock-dwelling civilisation, with villages, churches and frescoed crypts carved into the stone.
What to see
The park is a treasure chest of biodiversity recognised at European level (a Site of Community Importance and Special Protection Area of the Natura 2000 network). The gorges' microclimate allows rare species to survive: raptors such as the Egyptian vulture, the eagle owl, the lanner falcon and the lesser kestrel, alongside porcupines, badgers, foxes and wild boar. The flora counts over 50 varieties of wild orchid and endemic species such as the Macedonian oak, found in Italy only on the Murge.
Among the most spectacular ravines: the Gravina di Laterza, one of Europe's largest canyons (over 12 km, 200-metre walls), with its LIPU Oasis; the meandering Gravina di Castellaneta; the Gravina di Ginosa, which embraces the rock village; and the Gravina di Riggio at Grottaglie, with a 15-metre natural waterfall.
The park is visited on foot along the panoramic ridge trails or, for more expert hikers, descending into the gorge bed among caves and rock churches.
Did you know…
- The Gravina di Laterza is one of Europe's largest canyons: over 12 km long with 200-metre walls.
- The Gravina di Riggio at Grottaglie holds a 15-metre natural waterfall, unique in Puglia.
- The extremely rare Egyptian vulture and black stork return to nest in the ravines every spring.
- The ravine caves were inhabited continuously from the Palaeolithic until the 1950s.
Practical information
| Hours | The ravines are generally visitable in daylight hours. For gorge-bed routes and guided visits, contact the LIPU Oasis or the park authorities. |
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| Ticket | Access from the bridges and panoramic terraces is free. Guided excursions by the local cooperatives generally cost around €15 (adults) and €8 (children 8-13). |
| Accessibility | The ridge trails are more accessible; descending into the gorge bed requires good fitness and trekking shoes. Some ravines (e.g. Palagianello) have family picnic areas. |
| Getting there | The park spreads north-west of Taranto. The main access points are at Laterza, Castellaneta, Massafra, Mottola and Ginosa, all reachable by car from the city. |
Tips for your visit
- Visit in spring, when the wild orchids bloom and the Mediterranean scrub is at its lushest.
- For gorge-bed excursions wear trekking shoes and rely on a guide.
- For a first taste, admire the views from the Massafra bridges or the Castellaneta belvederes.
- Bring binoculars: the ravines are a paradise for raptor birdwatching.