Top 10 Natural Monuments around Francavilla Fontana

A valley with a small lake, a small natural waterfall—unique in Puglia—and numerous historical sites, from prehistory to the 10th century. A small paradise that many may not know, yet it lies within our territory. We're talking about the Gravina di Riggio, a place of great natural and historical value. A few kilometers from the city, the Gravina di Riggio is a deep valley characterized by a waterfall, a small lake, and a small stream, as well as numerous relics related to the phenomenon of "living in caves." Of particular note is "il Caggione," a circular chasm located near the waterfall. On its sheer walls, a cave village spread across three levels of caves is clearly visible. The remains of a fortification wall, some graffiti, and fragments of pottery date back to the Greek and Roman periods. Finally, the area was heavily inhabited during the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the two frescoed rock churches, the cenobitic hermitage, the pit burials, and a village with communal facilities such as water cisterns and a granary. The Gravina di Riggio rises 4 kilometers from Grottaglie, in the province of Taranto, and is a valley 1,300 meters long and 25 meters deep. In addition to being home to many animal and plant species, it is famous for its caves, some of natural origin, others man-made. The Gravina di Riggio is unique for its waterfall, which after a 15-meter drop feeds a small lake and a stream. The Church-Crypt of the Savior, with frescoes from the 10th and 11th centuries, is also beautiful. A special place not to be missed.

"The Bucito Cave", in Grottaglie I'll make a very brief introduction: generally the manifestations of worship in caves, here, refer to what is the devotion for the Archangel Michael (quis ut Deus). And we owe this to the Lombards who made him their national saint. I would not leave out, however, the Byzantines of Puglia among whom this saint enjoyed enormous popularity. "The Grottaglie area, like other places in the area, has been inhabited by man since the most remote times. In fact, in some districts (Bucito, Coluccio and Lonoce) roughly worked stone tools, splinters and processing residues have been found, belonging to the Paleolithic, that is, to the period of the Ancient Stone. The Buccito Cave (or Coluccio), near Grottaglie, is located at an important road junction, closely connected to the Tratturo Martinese. These are the oldest signs of the presence of man in our territory. In the Neolithic Age (from the mid-5th to the first centuries of the 4th millennium BC) the first agricultural villages began to emerge (Bucito and Caprarica). Caves and natural caverns were then used in all phases of the Bronze and Iron Ages, especially in the villages of Riggio, Lonoce, Fullonese and Pensieri. In the last period of the Bronze Age, the agricultural economy took over from pastoralism, so the ravines were gradually abandoned to form small urban-type settlements. This process was however stifled with the foundation of Taranto by Spartan colonists (towards the end of the 8th century BC)” (From metropolis.it) Why is it called that? The cave takes its name from the Greek term βοῦς, βοός- bus,- or “ox” and οἰκία or “house, shelter, dwelling” and therefore, originally, indicated a place of shelter for these animals. The Greek etymology is evidence of both Magna Graecia, of Byzantine d+-++-homination and of the subsequent presence of the Basilian monks in our territory For some years, in this cave, the mass of December 24th was celebrated. Suggestive! A custom that would be nice to resume, both for our religion and for our traditions.

The Cave is part of the Gravine di Grottaglie and is located in the Terra delle Gravine Regional Park. The Bucito cave (also known as the Coluccio cave) is located in an important road junction, closely connected to the Tratturo Martinese, an ancient primary communication route until the 19th century in Puglia. On a boulder adjacent to the cave there are two statuettes, one of Padre Pio da Pietrelcina and one of Jesus Christ. Until a few years ago, in the Bucito cave, on the night of December 25, the inhabitants of Grottaglie and the surrounding area flocked there for the Christmas vigil and for the celebration of the Midnight Christmas Mass.

For safety reasons, the Riggio ravine cannot be visited independently, since it is a private property to which access is forbidden, but it is possible to visit it during groups organized by Millenari di Puglia to be able to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of these places safely and with the help of an expert guide.

Along the itinerary you will be able to discover secret passages that lead to fascinating panoramic caves and frescoed caves which preserve some of the oldest paintings in southern Italy, dating back to the 10th century AD, and in which it is still possible to read and admire some scenes of saints, Christian crucifixions and symbols. In rainy periods it is possible to observe a suggestive waterfall that descends into the ravine and collects the water in a small natural pool where the amphibians can find a place to reproduce

Near the city of Grottaglie it is possible to visit one of the most evocative ravines of the Terra delle Gravine Regional Park: the Gravina di Riggio. It is one of those places that must be visited and experienced at least once in a lifetime. Millennials of Puglia, thanks to the collaboration of the owners of the ravine, makes the Gravina di Riggio, one of the naturalistic, landscape and historical-archaeological wonders of Puglia, safe to visit.

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The cave of Bucito (or of Coluccio) is inserted in an important road junction, closely connected with the Tratturo Martinese, a primary communication route until the nineteenth century in Puglia. For some years, in the cave annexed to the ravine, on the night of December 25 of each year, the midnight Christmas Mass has been celebrated.