In September 2024, Alta Murgia National Park, located in the heart of Puglia, was officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark — making it the 12th such site in Italy. This prestigious status confirms what those who know the region have long understood: Alta Murgia is not only a place of striking natural beauty but also a land layered with history, mystery, and cultural depth.
At FuorITinerario – Discover Your Italy, we’ve been designing travel experiences through the lesser-known corners of Italy for over a decade. Alta Murgia has always been a place we return to — for its silence, its stone, and its stories.
What Makes Alta Murgia a UNESCO Global Geopark?
A UNESCO Global Geopark is much more than a scenic destination. It’s a territory of international geological significance, where heritage, sustainability, education, and local culture intersect. Alta Murgia meets all these criteria — and more.
A Landscape Carved by Time
Stretching across central Puglia, the Alta Murgia plateau is a vast karst landscape formed over millions of years. Beneath its rugged surface lies a story told through fossils, sinkholes, and underground rivers. The Pontrelli Quarry, near Altamura, contains over 30,000 dinosaur footprints — one of the most important sites of its kind in Europe.
Ancient Human Presence
Alta Murgia is also home to some of Italy’s most significant prehistoric findings. In the Lamamunga Cave, archaeologists discovered the skeleton of the so-called “Altamura Man,” a Neanderthal preserved for over 150,000 years. The area offers a rare window into human and geological evolution, side by side.
Castel del Monte: A Cultural Icon
Dominating the landscape is Castel del Monte, a 13th-century octagonal fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. Mysterious and mathematically perfect, it has become a symbol of the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. Its presence reinforces Alta Murgia’s blend of natural and cultural significance.
A Living Landscape: Farming, Transhumance, and Tradition
Unlike national parks that feel isolated from daily life, Alta Murgia is a living landscape. Shepherds still follow transhumance routes, moving livestock along age-old trails. Farmers continue to cultivate hardy local crops in stony fields. The jazzi — dry-stone shelters used for centuries — still stand as markers of this enduring bond between people and land.
Why Visit Alta Murgia with FuorITinerario?
Our deep knowledge of the region allows us to craft journeys that go far beyond sightseeing. We design private, tailor-made itineraries that guide travelers through hidden trails, historic masserie, archaeological wonders, and conversations with the people who keep this land alive.
Visiting Alta Murgia with FuorITinerario means:
-
Traveling sustainably through one of Italy’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes
-
Connecting with locals who share their crafts, cuisine, and stories
-
Understanding the deeper meaning of the places you visit — from prehistoric fossils to modern farming traditions
Alta Murgia: A Destination for the Future of Travel
As the world embraces slow, mindful, and regenerative travel, Alta Murgia stands out as a destination that embodies these values. Its new status as a UNESCO Global Geopark is not the end — it’s the beginning of a renewed effort to protect, celebrate, and explore one of Italy’s most evocative landscapes.
Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a history lover, or simply someone looking for Italy beyond the crowds, Alta Murgia is waiting — and we’ll take you there.
📍Ready to discover the other side of Italy?
Contact us to design your tailor-made journey through Alta Murgia and beyond.
