The Complete Guide to Altamura, Puglia, Italy

Looking to visit Altamura, Puglia? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to visit the beautiful town.

Altamura is one of those places in Puglia that doesn’t always make it onto the usual tourist trail, but it absolutely should. Living in Puglia, I’ve explored countless towns across the region, and Altamura, just a 1.5-hour drive from where I live, continues to stand out.

It’s a town of deep history, incredible food, and a character that feels distinctly local—where ancient bakeries still use centuries-old wood-fired ovens, and where the streets hum with everyday life rather than mass tourism.

Whether you’re here for the legendary Altamura bread, the stunning Swabian-Gothic cathedral, or as a base to explore nearby Matera and Alta Murgia National Park, Altamura is the kind of place that offers an authentic, slow-paced slice of southern Italy.

And if you love great food, good wine, and history that stretches back thousands of years, you’ll feel right at home. This is my guide to Altamura Puglia, perfect for spending a day exploring this lovely, rooted-in-tradition Puglian town.

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Getting to Altamura

Like the rest of Puglia, the best way to reach Altamura is by car. It simply gives you the flexibility to get around, visit other nearby towns, and access points of interest that public transport just doesn’t reach.

That being said, if you’re coming from Bari or Taranto, the train is a decent alternative, but you’ll need to allow more time. Note, however, that the station is on the outskirts of town, so you’ll need to walk for about 20 minutes or hop on a local bus to reach the historic center.

There are also regional buses running from Bari, Matera, and other nearby towns, but as with most bus services in southern Italy, schedules can be unpredictable.

If you’re already exploring Puglia with a car, you’ll find the drive into Altamura straightforward, with well-maintained roads and ample parking options just outside the centro storico– we found paid parking (blue lines) on Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II.

For car rental in Puglia, I always recommend booking through Discover Cars, as they compare rates from multiple rental companies to get you the best deal. Plus, their customer service is solid, and they offer full coverage insurance that gives you peace of mind when navigating Puglia’s roads and common airport car rental scams. Check and book your rental car here.

Top Things to Do and See in Altamura

Stroll Around the Historic Center

Altamura’s historic center is a maze of narrow stone alleys, sun-drenched piazzas, and elegant palazzi that tell the story of this ancient town. It’s one of those places best explored on foot, where you can let yourself get lost and stumble upon quiet little courtyards, intricately carved doorways, and hidden bakeries perfuming the streets with the scent of fresh focaccia.

The heart of it all is Piazza Duomo, home to the magnificent Altamura Cathedral, a stunning example of Puglia’s Swabian-Gothic architecture, commissioned by Emperor Frederick II. Make sure to also seek out, amid the labyrinth streets, the smallest arch in Europe.

Unlike some of Puglia’s more polished historic centers, Altamura still feels lived-in, especially out of the summer season, with locals chatting outside their doorsteps, hanging laundry from wrought-iron balconies, and carrying on traditions that have been passed down for centuries.

Top Tip: One thing to keep in mind when exploring Altamura—or really anywhere in Puglia—is “siesta time”. Most shops, cafes, and even some tourist sights shut down between 1 pm and 5 pm (restaurants usually stay open until around 3 pm before closing until about 7.30 pm).

It’s part of the rhythm of life here, a time for rest, family lunches, and escaping the afternoon heat. So don’t expect much to be open during these hours—use the time to linger over a long lunch or embrace the local pace.

Visit the Cathedral

At the heart of Altamura’s historic center stands the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, an architectural masterpiece commissioned by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. It’s one of only four palatine churches in Puglia, which means it was built under direct royal authority, and you can feel its grandeur the moment you step into Piazza Duomo.

The cathedral’s imposing façade is a lovely mix of Swabian, Gothic, and Romanesque elements, with twin bell towers and an intricately carved portal featuring a biblical scene that could keep you captivated for hours.

Inside, the high vaulted ceilings, delicate rose windows, colorful marble, and gilded details add to the sense of majesty. Don’t miss the wooden choir stalls and the 16th-century organ, both remarkable pieces of craftsmanship.

Uncover all the Ancient Bakeries

Altamura is famous for its Pane di Altamura, the legendary durum wheat bread that has been made here for centuries and even holds a coveted DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) status.

The best way to experience it is to step inside one of the town’s historic bakeries, where the scent of wood-fired loaves fills the air, and you can watch generations-old techniques in action. Forno Antico Santa Caterina is one of the oldest and best, dating back to 1391, with a traditional stone oven that has been baking loaves for over 700 years.

Antico Forno Santa Chiara is another of my favorites – this one dating back to 1423, where the crusty, golden-brown bread is still made using the same method that earned Altamura’s bread its reputation across Italy.

Apart from bread, all the bakeries also sell focaccia, both the traditional focaccia Barese amongst others. They make the perfect light breakfast or snack when exploring.

Visit the National Archaeology Museum

Altamura has a deep, ancient history, and the Museo Nazionale Archeologico is the best place to dive into it. This small but interesting museum showcases artifacts from the region’s prehistoric and Roman past, including pottery, tools, and burial items uncovered in the surrounding countryside.

The real highlight is its connection to the famous Altamura Man, an incredibly well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton found in the nearby Lamalunga Cave. While the actual remains are still inside the cave and not on display, the museum provides an in-depth look at the discovery with reconstructions and explanations of what makes this find so significant.

If you’re interested in archaeology, history, or just understanding Altamura beyond its food and architecture, this museum is worth a visit.

Shop for Bread & Dairy

No trip to Altamura is complete without taking some of its legendary bread and dairy products home or back to your villa with you. For the best Altamura bread, head to the town’s historic bakeries—Forno Antico Santa Caterina, or Antico Forno Santa Chiara—where you can pick up a fresh, wood-fired loaf that stays delicious for days.

Another excellent stop is Panificio Di Gesù, a no-frills, deeply local bakery where the tradition of bread-making runs through generations.

But Altamura isn’t just about bread—it’s also home to some of the best dairy in Puglia. Caseificio Dicecca is an absolute must-visit, one of the finest dairy shops I’ve found in the region. Their burrata and stracciatella are impossibly creamy, their mozzarella is made fresh daily, and even their yogurt is worth stocking up on.

If you love good food, this is the kind of shopping that turns into an experience in itself.

Go for a Hike in Mercadante Forest

Puglia isn’t exactly known for its forests, which makes Mercadante Forest a bit of a hidden gem. Just a short drive from Altamura, this peaceful woodland is part of the Alta Murgia National Park and offers a refreshing change from the region’s typical olive groves and rocky landscapes.

The forest is crisscrossed with easy, well-marked hiking trails, making it a great spot for a relaxed walk beneath the pine trees, with paths that weave in and out of the forest’s dappled light.

Along the way, you’ll find picnic tables scattered throughout, perfect for a slow lunch surrounded by nature. It’s not the kind of rugged hiking destination that demands serious effort, but rather a serene escape where you can breathe in the fresh air, hear the wind in the trees, and enjoy a different side of Puglia’s diverse landscapes.

Take a Day Trip

Altamura is perfectly positioned for some incredible day trips, whether you’re after more history, breathtaking landscapes, or a mix of both.

Just 15 minutes away, Gravina in Puglia is a stunning town perched on the edge of a dramatic ravine, with an ancient Roman bridge that looks straight out of a movie (because it is—Gravina was a filming location for No Time to Die).

If you’re up for a little more adventure, Alta Murgia National Park offers wild, rolling landscapes dotted with abandoned masserie, prehistoric caves, and rolling hills. Make sure to also pay a visit to the beautiful Castel del Monte while there.

And of course, there’s Matera, just 25 minutes away, one of the most extraordinary cities in Italy, where ancient Sassi cave dwellings create a skyline that feels almost otherworldly. Whether you choose one or all three, these destinations make Altamura, Puglia an ideal base for exploring some of southern Italy’s most unique and underrated gems.

Where to Stay

Altamura isn’t overflowing with luxury or design hotels, but there are a couple of excellent options that make for a comfortable stay. If you’re heading to Matera, I’d probably stay there and day trip to Altamura over staying here. There’s just a much better hotel offering in Matera.

Hotel San Nicola – Right in the heart of the historic center, Hotel San Nicola is where I stayed, and it’s easily the best choice if you want to be within walking distance of everything. Set in a beautifully restored historic palace, it has elegant rooms with classic touches and a welcoming atmosphere that feels true to the spirit of Altamura. Book your stay here.

Hotel Fuori Le Mura – If you have a car and prefer something a little more modern, Hotel Fuori Le Mura is a great alternative just outside the center. It offers contemporary rooms, private parking, and easy access to the main roads—perfect if you’re planning to explore nearby towns like Matera or Gravina in Puglia. Book your stay here.

Between these two, you really can’t go wrong, whether you want to stay in the thick of the old town or enjoy a quieter, more spacious setting.

Where to Eat

Altamura’s dining scene is all about hearty, homemade food and excellent local ingredients, and there are some fantastic places to eat.

My favorite meal was at Pein Assutt, a spot I’d had on my list for years and basically my reason for visiting Altamura in the first place. It’s a cozy, traditional spot where I had the most incredible spaghettone with braciole sauce—a rich, slow-cooked tomato sauce with rolled beef (pictured) that’s packed with flavor.

Their braciole is delicious, the steak is perfectly cooked, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Plus, the prices are fantastic, making it an easy choice for a great meal.

For something a little more upscale, Tre Archi offers a more refined take on local cuisine, with beautifully plated dishes and an excellent wine list.

If you’re into wine and cheese, MuhBar is a must. It’s a small, stylish spot specializing in local cheeses and natural or artisan wines, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Somma Enoteca Wine Bar is another great option for wine lovers, offering an impressive selection of regional and Italian labels. For a more laid-back atmosphere, Bebop Wine is a cool little bar with a modern feel, ideal for a casual drink.

And if you’re after coffee or aperitivo, don’t miss Caffè Ronchi Striccoli. Dating back to the 1830s, this historic café has a charming old-world feel and is a great place to stop for a proper espresso or cappuccino.

In winter, they have a fantastic selection of teas, and in the evening, it’s the perfect spot for an aperitivo before dinner.

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