Medieval town suspended over a 100-meter ravine with underground caves and James Bond filming locations
Medieval History, Archaeology, Natural Wonders, Underground
Gravina in Puglia
Gravina in Puglia is dramatically positioned on the edge of a 100-meter-deep ravine with stunning panoramic views. The town features an extensive medieval underground network of caves, tunnels, and aqueducts. It gained international attention as a filming location for the James Bond film 'No Time To Die' and offers a fascinating blend of archaeology, engineering, and natural beauty.
Must-See Attractions
Don't miss these highlights
Ponte Acquedotto (Acquedotto Bridge)
17th-century stone bridge spanning the 100-meter-deep ravine. Dramatically destroyed in a 1722 earthquake and later restored. Repurposed as an aqueduct by the Orsini family. Featured in James Bond's 'No Time To Die' bridge-jumping scene. Spectacular viewpoint and engineering masterpiece.
Gravina Sotterranea (Underground Tours)
Ancient network of caves, tunnels, medieval granaries, cellars, wells, and aqueducts carved from calcarenite rock. Includes houses and churches carved directly from stone. 90-minute guided tours available with knowledgeable multilingual guides.
Note: Caves maintain cool 12-15°C
More Places to Visit
Additional attractions worth exploring
Rock Churches (Chiese Rupestri)
1-1.5 hoursAncient churches carved from calcarenite rock including San Michele delle Grotte (8th-10th century, carved from single tufo block with five naves and 14 stone columns), San Basilio, and San Michele. Blending Byzantine and medieval architecture with visible ancient frescoes.
Botromagno Archaeological Park
1-1.5 hoursAncient quarter ruins opposite the Ponte Acquedotto bridge featuring age-old monuments and cave dwellings. Rock churches and archaeological sites revealing medieval and ancient settlement patterns.
Madonna della Stella Viaduct
45 minutesLocated less than 1 km from town center. Arched structure 90 meters long, 5.5 meters wide, 37 meters high - aqueduct-bridge combination and impressive medieval engineering feat.
Fondovico District
1.5 hoursAncient quarter on ravine banks with medieval towers and structures, historic residential areas, and narrow medieval streets.
Cattedrale Normanna (Norman Cathedral)
45 minutesBuilt by Normans in the 12th century with amazing gold-gilded ceiling, beautiful arches, and Romanesque style with medieval refinements.
Must-Try Foods
Local specialties you can't miss
Pallone di Gravina
cheeseLocal cheese specialty reflecting the dairy traditions of the region.
Fallone Cheese
cheeseMix of sheep's and goat's milk - excellent served on Altamura bread.
Gravina DOC Wine
wineStill or sparkling Spumante style white wine. 40-65% Malvasia del Chianti with Greek and other varietals.
Verdeca di Gravina
wineSparkling wine with greenish color, fresh and creamy flavor, and pleasant aroma.
Orecchiette
pastaTraditional ear-shaped pasta made with local durum wheat and served with various sauces.
Olive Oil
condimentHigh-quality local olive oil production.
Artisanal Dairy Products
dairyFresh and artisanal cheeses made from milk of local pastures.
Recommended Experiences
Make the most of your visit
Gravina Sotterranea Guided Underground Tour
90-minute professionally guided exploration of the medieval underground cave systems, tunnels, and storage areas with knowledgeable multilingual guides.
📌 Book in advance - popular on weekends
Rock Church Exploration
Self-guided or guided visits to the ancient carved churches (San Michele, San Basilio) with archaeological interpretation.
Ponte Acquedotto Photography Tour
Dedicated photography session at the dramatic bridge with instruction on capturing its spectacular architectural and natural setting.
Combined Altamura-Gravina Day Tour
Organized shuttle transfer, authorized guides, local bread tasting, lunch included (typical cost €65 per adult).
Ravine Hiking
Walking trails along the 100-meter-deep gorge edges through natural landscapes.
Practical Information
Plan your visit
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October for ideal temperatures and wildflowers blooming. Summer can be hot but underground tours provide relief
Average Stay
Half-day to full day. Can be combined with Altamura for comprehensive experience
Getting There
- ✈️ Bari Airport (80-100 km) - 1.5-2 hour drive
- 🚂 Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) direct service from Bari - Travel time 1-1.5 hours from Bari central station
- 🚗 From Bari: 80-90 km via SS96 (1.5-2 hours). From Altamura: 20-25 km (30 minutes). From Matera: 45-50 km (1 hour)
Nearby Destinations
Insider Tips
Local advice for visitors
Book Gravina Sotterranea tours in advance - popular on weekends and holidays
Underground caves maintain cool 12-15°C temperature - bring light jacket
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones and ravine paths are uneven
Photography equipment essential for the bridge and panoramic viewpoints
Combine with nearby Altamura (30 minutes away) for a complete full-day experience
Visit the bridge at sunset for the most dramatic lighting and photography opportunities
Bring water bottles for hiking - the ravine paths can be exposed
Early morning visits help avoid afternoon crowds at popular sites
Multilingual guides available but confirm in advance
Restaurant and café options excellent but limited outside main area
The dramatic bridge justifiably appeared in James Bond film 'No Time To Die'
Spring wildflowers and autumn temperatures offer most comfortable visiting conditions
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