What to see in Massafra: the San Marco Ravine, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala, the frescoed rock churches and the castle. Guide and directions from Taranto.
History
Massafra is one of the pearls of the Tarantine hinterland, a medieval town suspended between two deep ravines — the San Marco Ravine and the Madonna della Scala Ravine — which cut through its historic centre creating a landscape that, in its uniqueness, recalls celebrated Matera.
For its extraordinary concentration of rock settlements and the atmosphere of spirituality and solitude that pervades it, Massafra has been nicknamed the "Thebaid of Italy". Its caves were inhabited from the Neolithic; during the eighth century the ravines became a refuge for monks and hermits fleeing Byzantium's iconoclastic persecutions.
The town belongs to the Terra delle Gravine Regional Natural Park and, together with Mottola, counts the area's greatest presence of these karst canyons.
What to see
The San Marco Ravine literally splits the town in two, joined by three historic viaducts. From the bridges you admire the rock village of Santa Marina, set into the stone, in a stretch called the "Paradise of Massafra". Here lie some of the finest rock churches, such as the crypt of San Marco (perhaps sixth-century) and the Church of the Candelora.
A few minutes away opens the Madonna della Scala Ravine, reached by descending 125 steps, where stands the white Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala (1791), the town's patron, linked to the legend of the miracle of the deer. Along the ravine you meet the striking "Cyclops' Cave" and the "Pharmacy of the Wizard Greguro", a complex of interconnecting caves tied to the legends of the masciari, the healer-wizards.
The territory holds around thirty frescoed rock churches, while the historic centre is dominated by the medieval Castle, home to the Museum of wine and oil civilisation.
Did you know…
- Massafra is nicknamed the 'Thebaid of Italy' for its hermitic atmosphere and dozens of rock churches.
- The ravines' rock dwellings were inhabited continuously from the Neolithic until the 1950s.
- Legend has it that a healer who gathered medicinal herbs lived in the 'Pharmacy of the Wizard Greguro'.
- The name may derive from the Latin 'massa afrorum', tied to North African peoples settled in the area.
Practical information
| Hours | The historic centre and ravine views are always accessible. The rock churches and the Madonna della Scala Ravine are visited only with authorised guides. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Views free of charge. Guided visits to the ravines and rock churches for a fee. |
| Accessibility | The ravine routes involve stairways, narrow passages and uneven ground: trekking shoes are needed. Not advisable for those who suffer from vertigo. |
| Getting there | From Taranto: about 20 km along the SS7. By train to Taranto, then bus or taxi. |
Not to miss
★ PremiumCavae - Cucina e Radici
📍 Vico III Santi Medici, 12, Massafra
Seafood and land cuisine in a carefully designed setting, among the best in the ravine area.
★ PremiumLumè Ristorante
📍 Piazza Papa Pio XI, 9, Massafra
A vaulted-ceiling dining room, refined cuisine and impeccable service.
★ PremiumIl Ritrovo degli Ostinati
📍 Vico I Santi Medici, Massafra
Several terraces with a view, very popular for dinners and special events.
★ PremiumDeMi Lounge Restaurant
📍 Via Santa Caterina, Massafra
Family-run with great attention to guests, among the best in town.
Addresses for guidance: names, management and hours may change. Always check before visiting.
Full listing
Indicative list compiled from public sources. To be featured among our partners, contact us.
Tips for your visit
- Book a guided visit: access to the rock churches is allowed only with the IAT guides.
- Wear trekking shoes with good grip and bring water: there are no supply points in the ravine.
- Avoid visiting after rain, when the ravine floor turns slippery.
- At sunset, sit on the benches overlooking the San Marco Ravine for the view of the castle.