Altamura is a city of great importance in the province of Bari. It stands on an isolated hill 473 meters above sea level, in the highest area of the Murge. This fascinating urban center overlooks the long trench that separates Puglia from Basilicata, known as the Premurgia trench.
Just six kilometers from the city, to the north, there is one of the largest karst sinkholes in Puglia, known as “Pulo di Altamura”, with a diameter of 500 meters and a depth of 75 meters.
In the historic center of Altamura stands the majestic Cathedral of the Assumption, whose construction began at the behest of Frederick II in 1232; over the centuries, it has been subject to numerous restorations and alterations. Of particular beauty is the Gothic portal dating back to the 14th century, characterized by a tympanum supported by two columns that rest on stone lions. The façade is adorned with two bell towers in Romanesque-ogival style, as well as a splendid central rose, also from the 14th century. Among the most notable works of art, the Assumption stands out, a large painting of the Venetian school from the 16th century, as well as a wooden choir with 54 stalls, also from the 16th century, and a wooden episcopal chair from the same period.
In the church of San Nicolò dei Greci, on the ancient Romanesque portal, you can observe bas-reliefs representing scenes from Genesis and the life of Christ.
The history of Altamura, from the refoundation of Frederick II in 1232 until the end of the 18th century, highlights a path of transformation and resistance. The emperor, struck by the ruins of an ancient city, decided to rebuild it, creating a town characterized by a varied cultural composition, including Greeks, Jews, Saracens and Christians. The privileges granted to the new inhabitants, such as tax exemption, actually favored a rapid growth of the city, which was organized into distinct quadrants between the various communities.
Tensions between the ecclesiastical authorities and the city were constant, culminating with the papal bull of Clement V in 1307, which confirmed the autonomy of Altamura. Over the centuries, the city passed from hand to hand between noble families, also suffering the consequences of dynastic struggles and the wars of Italy. One of all the so-called Conspiracy of the Barons.
The Conspiracy of the Barons was a significant plot that developed in the 15th century in response to the actions of the Aragonese, in particular Ferdinand I of Naples, to strengthen the central authority of the State. The roots of the conspiracy lie in the resistance of the barons to the king's attempt to reduce their power and subjugate them to the State. The barons, organized into powerful dynasties, controlled much of the lands of the Kingdom and firmly opposed the changes desired by the Aragonese monarchs.
The first clash between the barons and the king occurred between 1459 and 1464, culminating in a clear victory for Ferrante, who managed to further strengthen the royal power. However, discontent among the nobles did not subside and, in 1485, Antonello Sanseverino and other barons gathered to plan a new rebellion.
The plan called for the isolation of Naples and the intervention of the Pope and Angevin reinforcements. However, the conspiracy was discovered and repressed in 1487, with the arrest and execution of the main conspirators. The affair highlighted the tensions between the different social classes and the struggles for power in the Kingdom of Naples, marking a crucial moment in the medieval history of the region.
The submission and redemption of the Altamurans, as in the case of the sale to the Crown of Spain in 1531, marked further crucial moments in their autonomy. The insurrection of Masaniello in 1647 and the accession to the Neapolitan Republic represented a further act of rebellion against feudal rule. Finally, the influence of the Altamuran nobles was also evident in the 18th century, when they managed to change the king's decisions, underlining their power and connection with the court. In the 19th century came the so-called Altamuran Revolution, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution and the hope for a better future. However, the violent repression by the Sanfedista forces and the return to power of the Bourbons marked a severe blow to the aspirations of freedom and equality of the population of Altamura. The memory of those difficult days has remained alive among the Altamurans, handed down from generation to generation as a symbol of resistance against oppression.
In the heart of the city, a monument by the sculptor Arnaldo Zocchi celebrates the events of 1799 and that dream of ROMO (Republic or Death) which lasted just a decade.
Moving outside the city center it is possible to immerse yourself in the Alta Murgia Natural Park.
In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, the many caves and lame, the park allows you to learn about the history and the place where a special citizen was found, namely the Altamura Man. A Neanderthal who lived about 150 thousand years ago in the area around the Lamalunga cave. An interesting visitor park has been created around the cave.
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