Pulo di Altamura
Altamura, Italy
A 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.
The Pulo di Altamura is a karst doline in the Alta Murgia National Park, about 6 km north-west of Altamura, and the largest doline in the region. It is just over 500 meters across, never less than 450, with a rim of around 1,800 meters. Sources give different depths, from 70 to about 90 meters. The hollow was formed by karst processes: rainwater dissolves and wears away the heavily fractured limestone. After rain, two dry valleys, the lame, feed the basin.
Several caves open in the north wall, among them the Grotta del Colombo, the Grotta dell'Imbroglio and the Grotta dell'Orco, which probably sheltered prehistoric people. Ravens nest in the cliffs. The Altamura Man, a Neanderthal, was found in 1993 not here but in the Lamalunga cave near Altamura.
A farm track leads to the rim, where you can park; from there a path, with railings in places, descends. Sturdy footwear is advisable. Ask the park about paths, access and whether the track suits motorhomes.
- Nearest town
- Altamura, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 40.8950, 16.5430
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Agriturismo FasanoMotorhome stopover20 km from Pulo di AltamuraMotorhomes
- Agriturismo Le MatinelleMotorhome stopover22 km from Pulo di Altamura · 15 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Area Camper Via ScarlattiMotorhome stopover24 km from Pulo di Altamura · 20 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Area Camper MateraMotorhome stopover25 km from Pulo di AltamuraMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Sosta camper via MinghettiMotorhome stopover25 km from Pulo di Altamura · 10 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- KartodromoMotorhome stopover25 km from Pulo di AltamuraMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pulo di Altamura?
Pulo di Altamura is in Altamura, Italy, at GPS 40.8950, 16.5430. It is about 14 km from Gravina in Puglia.
Can you camp near Pulo di Altamura?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Area Camper Frantoio oleario perniola, about 8 km away; within 25 km there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Pulo di Altamura?
Pulo di Altamura is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia.
What is there to see near Pulo di Altamura?
Places worth a stop nearby: Gravina aqueduct bridge (13 km), Sassi di Matera (26 km), Belvedere Murgia Timone (26 km) and Castel del Monte (31 km).
When is the best time to visit Pulo di Altamura?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)