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 to discover some of the most fascinating locations in Puglia and neighbouring Basilicata. In the heart of the historic centre of Altamura, inside Palazzo Cagnazzi, the hotel allows you to experience a holiday full of culture, landscapes, authentic flavours, historic villages and art cities.

Altamura is the authentic heart of the Murgia: an elegant, ancient city deeply tied 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 location makes Hotel San Nicola ideal for those who wish to visit Puglia without limiting themselves to a single destination, building instead a rich, varied and memorable itinerary.

the authentic heart of the Murgia

Altamura

Altamura is a city to discover at a leisurely pace. Its historic centre retains an authentic charm, made up of alleys, squares, noble architecture, claustri and views that tell centuries of history. Walking through its streets means coming into contact with a more intimate Puglia, far from the most crowded tourist routes and close to the true identity of the area.

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 striking cities in Italy. Its Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer 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 Materano Murgia.

Bridges, ravines and an underground city

Gravina in Puglia

Gravina in Puglia is one of the most surprising destinations in the Murgia. Just a few kilometres from Altamura, it offers a spectacular landscape of canyons, caves, rock churches and architecture suspended over the ravine.

Its symbol is the Acquedotto Bridge, made famous also thanks to international cinema. From here you can admire natural and urban scenery of great impact, where stone engages powerfully and evocatively with the landscape.

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 photography itineraries. Here, Puglia takes on a different face: no longer just the sea and coastal villages, but an inland area rich in silence, wide 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 delve deeper into the area’s Frederician history.

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Bari

Bari is easily reachable from Altamura and is an ideal destination for those who wish to discover the urban and seafaring face of Puglia. Bari Vecchia, 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 locations in Puglia, Alberobello certainly deserves a visit. The village of the trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most photographed and recognisable places in the region. Its conical-roofed houses, white lanes and fairy-tale atmosphere make it a much-loved destination for Italian and international travellers alike.

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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 not-to-be-missed stops. Polignano enchants with its panoramic terraces over the sea, its cliffs and its historic centre suspended above 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 overlooking the sea, is one of the most elegant cities on the Puglia coast. Andria, on the other hand, is linked to Castel del Monte and represents an important stop for those wishing to delve deeper into the area’s history.