What to see in Mottola, the village of the 'Caves of God': the frescoed rock churches, the medieval historic centre and the views over the gulf. How to get there from Taranto.
History
Mottola rises on a height dominating the plain all the way to the Ionian Sea, a panoramic position that earned it the nickname "Spy of the Ionian". Its origins are extremely ancient, as the megalithic walls preserved in the territory attest.
Together with Massafra, Mottola is the area with the greatest presence of gravine, the karst canyons that mark this corner of Puglia. Along their walls, between the Early Middle Ages and the Byzantine era, an extraordinary rock-dwelling civilisation developed, leaving a unique heritage of homes and churches carved into the stone.
The whole territory falls within the Terra delle Gravine Regional Natural Park, protecting this exceptional natural and archaeological landscape.
What to see
Mottola is known as the "village of the Caves of God" for the extraordinary heritage of frescoed rock churches scattered through its ravines. These places of worship carved into the rock preserve Byzantine and medieval fresco cycles of the highest value, considered among the most important of the Puglian rock civilisation.
The medieval historic centre, compact and evocative, is dominated by the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the mother church. Strolling its alleys means discovering characteristic corners and panoramic lookouts over the surrounding territory, dotted with lame and ravines.
The natural landscape of canyons, Mediterranean vegetation and silence offers views of rare beauty and is ideal for trekking and for exploring Puglia at its most authentic and hidden.
Did you know…
- Mottola is nicknamed the 'Spy of the Ionian' for its panoramic position dominating all the way to the sea.
- It is known as the 'village of the Caves of God' for its frescoed rock churches.
- Together with Massafra it has the Tarantine territory's greatest concentration of ravines.
- It preserves traces of megalithic walls, witness to its extremely ancient origins.
Practical information
| Hours | The historic centre can be visited at any time. The rock churches are generally visited with authorised guides: check the arrangements locally. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Historic centre free. Guided visits to the rock churches for a fee. |
| Accessibility | The rock routes in the ravines involve trails, steps and uneven ground: trekking shoes are advised. |
| Getting there | From Taranto: about 30 km. By car along the state roads westwards; the area is well connected with Massafra and the Ravines Park. |
Not to miss
★ PremiumCasa Ferri
📍 Via Giuseppe Parini, 31, Mottola
Open kitchen, dishes balancing tradition and innovation, among the best in the area.
★ PremiumSottoScala
📍 Via Giovanni Amendola, 1, Mottola
A bistro with panoramic views, a nice atmosphere even just for a drink.
★ PremiumBraceria dal Centurione
📍 Largo Mater Domini, 15, Mottola
Quality grilled meat, family-run, with tables in the square too.
★ PremiumTaverna Del Piffero
📍 Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 19, Mottola
Generous portions and fair prices, convenient for a stop while passing through too.
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
- Rely on a guide to visit the rock churches and understand their frescoes.
- Pair the visit with Massafra: together they tell the heart of the rock civilisation.
- Enjoy the views from the historic centre, overlooking the plain towards the Ionian.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes for the ravine trails.