Palagianello between the Gravina and the rock settlement

Palagianello lies on the edge of the Gravina of the same name and connects the new town with a rock settlement. The rock settlement, sacred buildings and gorge landscape give the place a character clearly shaped by culture and history. For travellers interested in rock architecture and the region’s heritage, several distinct aspects take centre stage here.

Rock settlement on the edge of the Gravina

The rock settlement extends along the eastern edge of the Gravina di Palagianello, directly below Castello Stella Caracciolo. Numerous rock churches are part of this quarter; some preserve traces of their original frescoes. In Palagianello, settlement integrated into the rock and sacred art history thus meet. The connection between the rock quarter and the newer town makes these two parts a shared feature of the place.

Paths and steps still make it possible to cross at least part of the rock settlement. The qualification that only part of it can be crossed is important: the paths do not automatically provide access to the entire quarter. Visitors interested in the site can use its location below Castello Stella Caracciolo and on the edge of the Gravina as a guide when taking in the townscape.

Churches, frescoes and architectural history

Frescoes attributed to the 14th century have been preserved in the Chiesa rupestre di San Gerolamo. The Chiesa rupestre di Sant’Andrea contains a fresco diptych depicting Sant’Andrea and the Virgin Mary, dated to the 13th century. The two churches represent different periods within the rock heritage. Sant’Andrea lies on the eastern edge of the Gravina di Palagianello, about 80 metres north of the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie.

The Santuario also combines architectural history with its location by the gorge. It was rebuilt in 1898, collapsed again on Christmas night in 1972 and was restored in 2000. Its entrance opens directly onto the Gravina; from inside, the view gives the impression of hovering above the gorge. If you would like to visit the interior, it is best to check access in advance.

Castello Stella Caracciolo stands above the rock settlement. Built in the 16th century, the defensive fortress has four corner towers. Another described architectural feature is a secret passage leading to the Gravina through a trapdoor. Together, the fortress and the rock quarter below form a striking combination of defensive architecture and buildings embedded in the rock.

Karst landscape and experiences

The gravine near Palagianello are karst gorges that can be up to 200 metres deep and more than 400 metres wide. These possible dimensions illustrate the scale of this landscape, although not every single gravina necessarily has the same measurements. At the same time, the course of the gorge shapes the location of the rock settlement and the character of the surrounding area.

Teknè combines practical workshops with guided excursions into the Gravina di Palagianello. This means that, alongside the buildings, practical activities and guided explorations are also part of the experience. Paths and steps in the rock settlement offer another way to cross part of the quarter; this is distinct from guided excursions into the Gravina as a separate way to experience the area.

Festival traditions and local cuisine

The Festa Patronale Maria SS. delle Grazie is an annual civic and religious tradition in Palagianello. Traditional dishes from Palagianello’s cuisine are prepared and sampled as part of the festival. This culinary programme may vary from year to year. The Festa thus brings together religious and civic traditions with an insight into local cuisine, without implying that the programme remains the same every year.

Discover more destinations: Marina Di Pulsano, Castellaneta, Crispiano, Maruggio, Specchiarica, Ginosa, Monteparano, Leporano.

For the main travel overview: Taranto.