Explorations of a small Southern Italian city few have heard about.
There really isn’t anything in Altamura that would be a big draw with tourists. It’s a cute city with a gorgeous cathedral that I found just clicking around on Google Maps. I was looking for a couple of small cities to stay in the area. Altamura won because I found a really cheap apartment with a washer and dryer there. Sometimes my trip planning gets a bit weird.
Altamura has been around since ancient times. No one knows what the ancient city was called. The city was refounded in the 13th century by Frederick II, King of Sicily. It was Frederick II that was responsible for the gorgeous Cathedral of Altamura.
Jana Irving The weather wasn’t the best when I was in Altamura. It was rainy and the coldest day I experienced in Italy. This photo is from the end of the day after the weather decided to cooperate. It was still freezing though.
Jana Irving This cathedral is a bit weird. This side used to be the side with the altar and the other end had the main door. Even some of the windows were stoned up. There was some damage to the church in the 14th century. Maybe that’s when they made the change.
Jana Irving Love this main door.
Jana Irving It wasn’t night when I took this photo. It was that dark outside.
Jana Irving The church is looking great. It was restored in the last 20 years, inside and out.
Jana Irving The main street through the historic center.
Jana Irving Porta Bari. The road probably went in the direction of Bari. It now leads to the train station where you can get a train to Bari.
Jana Irving Many of the buildings in the historic center were all made from the same color stone. I love it.
Jana Irving San Nicola dei Greci. I love that doorway as well.
Jana Irving Very cool.
Jana Irving Tiny, bendy street.
Jana Irving That balcony is cool, too.
Jana Irving Just a random red carpet.
Jana Irving Courtyard garden.
Jana Irving Arco Basso Angelo Milano (Low Arch), said to be one of the lowest arches in Europe at 140 cm (4.5 ft) high.
Jana Irving Very cute.
Jana Irving Another courtyard garden.
Jana Irving Little church?
Jana Irving Lots of cool doors in Altamura.
Jana Irving Tunnel to a courtyard.
Jana Irving Old city gate perhaps?
Jana Irving People actually drive on this street.
Jana Irving Very cute.
Jana Irving Cute little church.
Jana Irving I love a good tunnel.
Jana Irving Birds and a street sign.
Jana Irving Ivy covered building.
Jana Irving A fortified building in the middle of town.
Jana Irving Altamura is a cute little town off the main tourist track.
Altamura was a neat little city. It has its own amazing bread and everything. It was a perfect town to stop for a little vacation from my vacation.
Check out my next update where I explore a Baroque city built in stone.
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Start at the beginning of this adventure.
