What to see in Massafra between nature and culture
What to see in Massafra between nature and culture
Perched on the hills surrounding Taranto, some 30 minutes' drive from the city, is a small and very ancient town, whose roots go back to the dawn of man's birth.
Massafra stands on the rock of singular and unique geological structures, the ravines, which also determine the structure of its small but lovely historic center. These natural ravines were the site of the first human settlements in the area, as can easily be seen from the many openings (many of which can be visited) in the rock.
The town is the custodian of a remarkable historical and artistic heritage and is also known as the City of Faith due to the massive presence of stupendous religious buildings.
Follow our itinerary to discover what to see in Massafra amidst magical and evocative artistic and natural beauty.
The ravines
TheNatural Park of Terre delleGravine extends between the provinces of Taranto and Brindisi. The territory of Massafra is very particular from this point of view: together with Mottola it counts the greatest presence of these suggestive canyons of karst origin. Massafra's ravines are 13 in all and the two main ones are the right mix of nature and civilization being directly intertwined with the city whose shape they determine.
The Gravina della Madonna della Scala takes its name from the homonymous Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala, patron saint of Massafra, which is reached by descending 125 steps.
Inside the ravine is a rich underground world of rock houses inhabited from the Neolithic period until the 1950s. Walking down the ravine, one encounters the evocative Grotta del Ciclope (Cyclops Cave) and the Farmacia del Mago Greguro (Greguro Wizard's Pharmacy ), which prepared medicines and ointments with plants collected in the ravines of the rocks.
The Gravina di San Marco is a deep gorge that runs through the center of Massafra dividing it in two. Here, too, what you can see is a rich rock world consisting of the Village of Santa Marina, which, in addition to dwellings, has some of the most beautiful rock churches in the area. Don't miss the Church of Santa Marina and the Church of Candlemas, and finally the nearby underground Church of Sant'Antonio Abate with wonderful frescoes that resist the passage of time and atmospheric phenomena to which they are constantly exposed.
The historic center: what to visit of Massafra
Of medieval origin, the historic center of Massafra is a small treasure chest guarding many beauties to be discovered. It is an intricate network of narrow streets and alleys, many of which can only be walked through steps and narrow spaces. A tangle that looks almost like a labyrinth, difficult to decipher for those who see the city for the first time.
The undisputed symbol of the city is undoubtedly the Castle. The imposing manor consists of four towers that protect the four sides of the city's walls. Today the castle houses the Historical-Archaeological Museum, dedicated to the civilization of oil and wine, which has been collecting evidence of the agricultural world since the 16th century.
Among the sights not to be missed is the Town Hall in Piazza Garibaldi with the Clock Tower, a full 22 meters high and equipped with 18th-century bells that make it another of Massafra's landmarks.
The churches of Massafra
Massafra boasts some of the most interesting places of worship in the whole of Puglia. In addition to those already mentioned, let's also mention the church of the Santi Medici from which there is a beautiful view: the building dates back to 1720 and is located on the site of the cave of health from which it is said miraculous waters flowed.
Of considerable importance, the Mother Church dedicated to San Lorenzo Martire, built in the 16th century, among the symbols of Massafra, withits majestic and imposing dome towers over the entire town with its Baroque altars and a crypt that dates back to medieval times.
It is then worth seeing the former church and convent of SantAgostino. The church, right on the edge of the ravine, is an example of pure Baroque art, both inside and out. The atmosphere of the complex is so magical that it has been chosen to host events and concerts of all kinds.
Among the must-see rock churches are the rock church of St. Gregory, which has beautiful frescoes, and the church of Our Lady of Candlemas, which dates back to the 12th century. Finally, with its fine early medieval frescoes, set in the rock is the beautiful church of San Leonardo.
Massafra is endowed with a truly singular magic. To discover all the beauties enclosed in this unique village, all you have to do is look for your ideal place to stay; with Barbarhouse you have the possibility to opt among the manyvacation homes in Martina Franca or among theaccommodations in nearby Ceglie Messapica. You'll be one step away from all the natural and cultural wonders of the Valle d'Itria on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other.
