In the heart of the Murgia
A holiday in Puglia and Basilicata starting from Altamura
Staying at Hotel San Nicola means choosing a privileged starting point for discovering some of the most fascinating places in Puglia and nearby Basilicata. In the heart of the historic centre of Altamura, inside Palazzo Cagnazzi, the hotel allows you to enjoy a holiday made of culture, landscapes, authentic flavours, historic villages and cities of art.
Altamura is the authentic heart of the Murgia: an elegant, ancient city, deeply linked to its history and traditions. From here you can quickly reach Matera, Gravina in Puglia, the Alta Murgia National Park, Castel del Monte, Bari, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and many other iconic destinations in Puglia.
This position makes Hotel San Nicola ideal for those who wish to visit Puglia without limiting themselves to a single destination, but building a rich, varied and memorable itinerary.
the authentic heart of the Murgia
Altamura
Altamura is a city to be discovered slowly. Its historic centre preserves an authentic charm, made of alleys, squares, noble architecture, claustri and glimpses that tell of centuries of history. Walking among its streets means coming into contact with a more intimate Puglia, far from the more crowded tourist routes and close to the true identity of the land.
Visiting Altamura means experiencing art, history, gastronomy and authenticity in a single experience.
the city of the Sassi
Matera
A short distance from Altamura lies Matera, one of the most evocative cities in Italy. Its Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represent a landscape unique in the world: houses carved into the rock, rock churches, stone alleys, panoramic viewpoints and timeless atmospheres.
Matera is perfect for a day trip during a stay at Hotel San Nicola. In the morning you can set off from Altamura and reach the Lucanian city to visit the Sasso Caveoso, the Sasso Barisano, the Cathedral, Casa Grotta, the Palombaro Lungo and the panoramic viewpoints over the Matera Murgia.
Bridges, ravines and an underground city
Gravina in Puglia
Gravina in Puglia is one of the most surprising destinations in the Murgia. A few kilometres from Altamura, it offers a spectacular landscape made of canyons, caves, rock churches and architecture suspended over the ravine.
Its symbol is the Aqueduct Bridge, which has also become famous thanks to international cinema. From here you can admire natural and urban scenery of great impact, where the stone dialogues with the landscape in a powerful and evocative way.
Other destinations to discover
For nature lovers, the Alta Murgia
Alta Murgia National Park
The Alta Murgia National Park is ideal for excursions, light trekking, panoramic walks, cycling routes and photographic itineraries. Here Puglia changes its face: no longer just sea and coastal villages, but an inland territory rich in silences, horizons and identity.
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Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte is one of the most iconic monuments in Puglia. Commissioned by Frederick II, it dominates the landscape with its octagonal shape and enigmatic architecture. It is a perfect stop for those staying in Altamura who wish to explore the Frederician history of the area.
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Bari
Bari is easily reachable from Altamura and is an ideal destination for those wishing to discover the urban and seafaring side of Puglia. Old Bari, with its alleys, the Basilica of San Nicola, the Cathedral of San Sabino and the seafront, offers a lively and authentic experience.
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Alberobello and Valle d’Itria
Among the best-known places in Puglia, Alberobello is certainly worth a visit. The town of trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most photographed and recognisable places in the region. Its houses with conical roofs, the little white streets and the fairy-tale atmosphere make it a much-loved destination for Italian and international travellers.
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Polignano a Mare and Monopoli
For those who wish to combine a cultural journey with the beauty of the sea, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli are two unmissable stops. Polignano charms with its panoramic terraces over the sea, the cliffs and the historic centre suspended over the Adriatic.
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Trani, Andria and Frederician Puglia
Another interesting itinerary from Altamura leads towards Frederician Puglia. Trani, with its splendid Cathedral by the sea, is one of the most elegant cities on the Apulian coast. Andria, on the other hand, is linked to Castel del Monte and represents an important stop for those wishing to explore the history of the area.
Esperienze
Ogni viaggio merita di essere vissuto e non semplicemente raccontato. Da Hotel San Nicola, esperienze autentiche, momenti speciali e sapori del territorio si trasformano in ricordi da custodire nel tempo.
Altamura: a journey through millennia of history and the flavours of the Murgia
A guided itinerary in the heart of Altamura, from Prehistory to the Middle Ages, featuring the Altamura Man, cloisters, the Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum. Option to add a tasting of cheeses, Pane di Altamura DOP and typical products.
Scopri di piu
Altamura and the Putignano Carnival: history, traditions and flavours of Puglia
A three-day stay between the thousand-year history of Altamura and the joy of the Putignano Carnival, with cultural visits, papier-mâché floats, folk traditions and typical flavours of the Murgia.
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Walk through the flavours of Altamura
A gastronomic itinerary in the historic centre of Altamura among Murgia cheeses, Pane di Altamura DOP, baked specialities, Tetta della Monaca and Amaro Padre Peppe.
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Old Bari: between spirituality and delights for the palate
A walk through the heart of Old Bari amid the Basilica of San Nicola, the Cathedral, the Swabian Castle, hand-made orecchiette and authentic specialities of Bari cuisine.
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Meeting with the Shepherdess of the Murgia: nature, animals and excellent cheeses
Meet Mariantonietta, the Shepherdess of the Murgia, visit the animals of Masseria Scalera, discover the secrets of cheese-making and taste typical cheeses with Pane di Altamura DOP and local wine.
Scopri di piu
Simply Altamura: tour of the historic bakeries and Pane DOP
A two-hour guided walk in the old town of Altamura, with a visit to the traditional bakeries, the story of Pane di Altamura DOP and a tasting of focaccia, taralli, biscuits and local products.
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Altamura Gusto Pieno: DOP Bread workshop and tasting
A three-hour food tour in the old town of Altamura with a bread-making workshop, a tasting of DOP Bread, focaccia, local sweets and Amaro Padre Peppe.
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Altamura Gourmet Experience: bread, cheeses and wines of the Murgia
Five hours between the historic centre of Altamura, a DOP Bread workshop, a visit to a dairy, cheese tasting, local wines and a complimentary gastronomic kit.
Scopri di piu
