Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia
From Bari’s coast of Romanesque cathedrals up to Frederick II’s octagonal castle, a giant sinkhole and the cave town of Gravina.
- Distance
- approx. 147 km (91 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 02 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Italy
- Best time to go
- April–May and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €8
- Updated
- September 12, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 147 km (91 mi) with 7 stops, from Bari to Gravina aqueduct bridge. About 2 h 02 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and September–October. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €8 (Italy).
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Bari
Photos along the route
Route description
North of Bari the coast is lined with old harbour towns, each with a cathedral by the water. Molfetta’s Duomo Vecchio stands on the harbour, and Trani’s cathedral rises alone on a stone platform above the sea.
Turn inland past Andria towards Castel del Monte, visible for miles on its hilltop. Cars and motorhomes park at the foot of the hill; from there a shuttle bus or a short walk leads up to the castle.
The road then crosses the Alta Murgia National Park, a stony upland of dry-stone walls, farms and sheep. The Pulo di Altamura sinkhole lies off a country road north of the town; Altamura itself is known for its bread and for the Neanderthal skeleton found nearby, presented in a visitor centre.
End in Gravina in Puglia, where the old town tops a ravine full of cave churches and the aqueduct bridge crosses to the far side. Spring and autumn are ideal; the plateau is hot and shadeless in midsummer.
Which stops are on Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bari
Italy - 231 km
Molfetta
Italy - 322 km
Trani Cathedral
HistoryTrani, ItalyA pale Romanesque cathedral standing alone on the edge of the sea, with a tall open-arched bell tower. The old harbour next to it is lovely at sunset.
- 432 km
Castel del Monte
HistoryAndria, ItalyEmperor Frederick II’s mysterious octagonal castle on a hilltop in the Murgia, a UNESCO site. Park at the foot of the hill and take the shuttle or walk up.
- 539 km
Pulo di Altamura
NatureAltamura, ItalyA huge karst sinkhole about half a kilometre across in the stony Alta Murgia plateau. A viewpoint on the rim is reached by a country road.
- 610 km
Altamura
Italy - 714 km
Gravina aqueduct bridge
ViewsGravina in Puglia, ItalyA stone bridge spanning the ravine below Gravina’s old town, which is honeycombed with cave churches. Walk across to the far side for the classic view of the town.
How do you drive Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Bari → Trani Cathedral · 53 km · 0 h 44 minOn the way: Molfetta.Overnight nearby, for example: Area Camper Olimpiadi Centro Sportivo (9 km); Brezza Tra Gli Ulivi (11 km).
- Day 2: Trani Cathedral → Castel del Monte · 32 km · 0 h 26 minOvernight nearby, for example: Area Camper Via Scarlatti (18 km); Sosta camper via Minghetti (19 km).
- Day 3: Castel del Monte → Gravina aqueduct bridge · 63 km · 0 h 52 minOn the way: Pulo di Altamura, Altamura.Overnight nearby, for example: Agriturismo Le Matinelle (17 km); Area Camper Frantoio oleario perniola (12 km).
When is the best time for Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €8 (Italy).
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
More routes for the best months
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FAQs
How long is Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?
3-day road trip of about 147 km (91 mi) with 7 stops, from Bari to Gravina aqueduct bridge. About 2 h 02 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 02 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia start and end?
It starts in Bari and ends in Gravina aqueduct bridge.
Which countries does Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?
OpenStreetMap lists 33 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: La Baia, Area Camper Olimpiadi Centro Sportivo and Area Camper Matera.
How much are the tolls on Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €8 (Italy). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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