- Dolmen Della Chianca - Starting from the ancient Posta Santa Croce, we traverse the transhumance routes in Puglia, unveiling a unique path between the Murgia and the Adriatic. Despite its proximity to the urban centers of Bisceglie and Corato, this area remains relatively unknown. It’s a hidden gem, rich in landscape and historical significance. Early on our journey, we encounter the Dolmen La Chianca, a prehistoric megalithic tomb from the Bronze Age. Crossing one of the typical ravines of this region, we reach a vast karst complex, notable for its caves. In 1955, a femur belonging to an adult Homo sapiens neandertalensis was discovered here.
- Grotta di Santa Croce - Evidence of human presence from the Middle Paleolithic to the Bronze Age has been found here. In 1955, numerous primitive animal remains, stone tools, and Neolithic paintings were discovered. The caves, once neglected, have been revitalized by the Scout Group of Bisceglie since 1975 and opened to the public in 1990 with the support of the Municipality of Bisceglie and the Archaeological Superintendence of Puglia. In 1997, the University of Siena conducted several excavations, uncovering a Neolithic mat. The caves were reopened after static consolidation works were completed in autumn 2021.
- Zona Pantano-Ripalta - Following the coastline, we explore a stunning shoreline dotted with sea caves inhabited since the Neolithic period, as evidenced by findings from Majellaro and Prelorenzo. We will discover the Caves of Ripalta. Along this segment of the Via Francigena, you can admire the typical Apulian rural landscape with its dry stone walls, straw huts, and small houses. We continue along a short stretch of pebble beach, then through a beautiful meadow of wild orchids, reaching the coves—small bays formed by erosive furrows typical of the Apulian landscape, channeling rainwater from the Murge karst plateau to the Adriatic Sea.
- Private transportation
- Hotel pick-up
- Entrance ticket to Grotta Santa Croce
- Visit and tasting in the oil mill
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Embarking from the historic Posta Santa Croce, we’ll traverse Puglia’s ancient paths of transhumance. Our journey initiates at Dolmen La Chianca, a prehistoric tomb harking back to the Bronze Age. We’ll traverse a typical ‘blade’ of this region, leading us to an expansive karstic complex littered with caves. In 1955, a femur of a Neanderthal adult was discovered in these caves.
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Along a stunning coastline punctuated by sea caves, which bear evidence of human habitation since the Neolithic age as confirmed by Majellaro and Prelorenzo’s findings. We will explore the Ripalta Caves. This stretch of the Via Francigena also offers the quintessential Apulian rural vistas, complete with drystone walls, haystacks, and quaint abodes. A brief passage through a splendid wild orchid field will bring us to Cala Pantano, a small bay formed by the region’s characteristic ‘blades’, erosion-induced grooves that shape the Apulian landscape.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
