Discover Putignano: Old Town, Carnival and Grotta del Trullo

Putignano combines historic townscapes, remarkable buildings, craftsmanship and a Carnival steeped in tradition to create a diverse travel destination. In the historic centre, the medieval urban layout features lanes paved with “chianche” and characteristic courtyards. Walking through this town centre, visitors encounter a townscape in which the design of the streets and the courtyards directly contribute to understanding the local culture.

Romanesque architecture, palazzi and a house museum

The Chiesa Matrice di San Pietro is an example of Apulian Romanesque architecture and was built from limestone. The Palazzo del Balì provides a different historical highlight: it was once a residence of the Knights of Malta.

At the MURCA – Museo Romanazzi Carducci di Santo Mauro, the upper floor is classified as a house museum. The reception rooms contain, among other things, furniture, paintings, silverware, porcelain and clocks. The MURCA has no architectural barriers.

Chiesetta di Santo Stefano Piccolo

A smaller destination of architectural significance is the Chiesetta di Santo Stefano Piccolo. It was built in 1402 and has a floor plan in the shape of a Greek cross. The church is also known as the “chiesetta della fontana” because one of Putignano’s first public fountains is located on its exterior.

Grotta del Trullo and access via the staircase

The Grotta del Trullo was discovered on 29 May 1931, a few metres from the inhabited centre of Putignano. Less than three months after its discovery, it was placed under special protection. Its preservation was considered to be of significant public interest because of its natural beauty.

Access to the Grotta del Trullo is via a staircase with 45 steps. This specific structural feature is relevant for practical orientation and can be taken into account when planning your day. You should therefore consider the visit with the actual access via the staircase in mind.

Carnival between celebration and craftsmanship

The Festa delle Propaggini takes place every year on 26 December and marks the beginning of the Putignano Carnival. An important craft element of this Carnival is the processing of papier-mâché, from which the allegorical floats are made.

Farinella

Farinella is a flour made from roasted barley and roasted chickpeas.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

The Ferrovie del Sud Est connect Putignano daily by train and bus via Casamassima or Conversano to Bari, as well as to Martina Franca. If you choose a hotel in Putignano, you can factor this daily transport connection into your personal travel planning. This allows you to weigh cultural highlights, a visit to the Grotta del Trullo and the desired flexibility during your stay separately, without reducing the town to a single experience.

More destinations for planning your trip to Italy

More destinations for planning your trip to Italy: Lamie di Olimpia, Modugno, Polignano A Mare, Conversano, Molfetta, Noicattaro, Impalata, Castellana Grotte.

To the overarching travel overview: Bari.