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(...continued) Only downstream from the point where the road used by local vehicles diverges from the streambed is the latter periodically left to the sole maintenance work of passing flocks and livestock. This isn't a problem if you're traveling on foot, but on a mountain bike, it's even more advisable to tackle the downhill section, as the very slight incline will greatly facilitate progression, saving effort for the more experienced or avoiding annoying interruptions for the less experienced. It should be noted that, for the easiest and most well-trodden section alone, the more or less soft gravel surface extends for more than six kilometers, and can be a real test for those unable to maintain the momentum of a pace capable of overcoming resistance and swerving. However, there is the option of descending on a dirt road from Ischitella, traversing the most interesting segment of the canyon, and then escaping along the comfortable concrete road that exits the valley.

Cycling along the Rio Romandato's "sciumara" is extraordinary! This term refers to the bed of a karst stream, almost always dry due to the presence of countless cavities scattered throughout the subsurface where small and medium-sized rainfall finds its outlet, but subject to rare but powerful floods during particularly intense and prolonged storms. The navigability of these "sciumare" by bicycle cannot therefore be guaranteed, as it remains dependent on the rainfall patterns that periodically disturb the gravel on the riverbed. However, there are sections more frequently used by the vehicles of local shepherds and farmers, who promptly restore and keep them accessible, just as in this section carved into the rock like a canyon. (continued...)

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.

Don't miss, if you're in the Bosco Quarto, with its hornbeams and beech trees, the Ragusa Valley, formed by one of the numerous east-west oriented tectonic fissures that mark the Gargano promontory between the Umbra Forest and the area of San Marco in Lamis. It's very easy to cycle through and can be reached by anyone with a basic understanding of cartography and navigation, yet the impression is of being immersed in an environment profoundly removed from any human presence. On the southern slope, near Coppa del Giglio and Casa Natura, runs what was the line of a Decauville a century ago.

Grotta Croce, located in Gravina di Laterza, is one of the many karst caves in this suggestive canyon in Puglia. Famous for its natural beauty and historical interest, the cave offers spectacular limestone formations. Explored by speleology enthusiasts and hikers, it is part of the Terra delle Gravine Natural Park, an area rich in biodiversity and characterized by deep ravines and hidden caves. Grotta Croce also has archaeological value, with finds that testify to human presence in ancient times.

Reopened on April 24, 2024, after renovations and refurbishments. There are now separate pedestrian lanes alongside the road. In the evening, the bridge is illuminated with rainbow colors—haha, just kidding 😅—thankfully, they're the colors of the Italian flag 🇮🇹.