Gravina di Puglia Attractions

About 11km/7mi west of Altamura is Gravina di Puglia (338m/1,115ft; pop. 37,000), picturesquely situated above a deep gorge (gravina) with an interesting cathedral (15th century choir- stalls), the church of Santa Sofia (tomb of a duchess of Gravina; 1518) and a municipal museum. Outside the town, in a gorge, is the rock-hewn church of San Michele with remains of Byzantine paintings; another rock-hewn church is beyond the viaduct. On a hill north of the town are the ruins of a Hohenstaufen castle, which was built by Frederick II in 1231.