Top 6 Caves フラガニャーノでの

Trail recommended for expert hikers due to the presence of stepped differences in height.

800 meters long and up to 40 meters deep, it is rich in spontaneous vegetation consisting of Mediterranean scrub, olive trees, oaks and carob trees. Like many blades dug by water in the karst rocks, this one has also been shaped by men over the centuries. In fact, there is a rock settlement consisting of numerous caves dug into the rock along the slopes of the blade, used at least until the 13th century. The settlement, in addition to the dwellings in the caves arranged on several levels, also included three rock churches and a cistern for collecting water. On the northern slope, the church of Saints Peter and Paul, dating back to the 6th-7th century, is still recognizable, further expanded with wall structures in the 16th century and dedicated to San Pietro dei Giudei. The Fullonese name of the locality probably derives from the trade of tanners and dyers practiced by a small colony of Jews, exiles following the destruction of Oria in 977, who in this place, due to the abundance of water and natural pools, found ideal conditions for settling.

West of the urban center of Grottaglie, at the foot of Mount Fellone, stands the Lama del Fullonese, a ravine full of caves dug into the rock that were once used as a refuge by man since the Paleolithic. Here a Jewish community from Oria, fleeing from the brutal Saracen raids of the late 10th century, found refuge and all the elements necessary to continue the artisanal activity of tanning leather. From a naturalistic point of view, the Fullonese is a set of different habitats with a biodiversity sensitive to the various microclimates present that leaves visitors amazed by the colors and scents. If in the area, I recommend you stop by 😉

Stunning and relaxing landscape, excellent for going as a couple to have a bit of relaxation. Very green and excellent to visit

Stunning and relaxing landscape, excellent for going as a couple to have a relaxing time. Very green and excellent to visit

The oil mill is located about 7 km from Francavilla F.na. The walls are made entirely of tuff, as were the vaults,

A small church located on a small plateau, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, under the church a cave, with a beautiful story that tells of a boy who brought a cow to pasture, and the same cow, arriving at that point of the cave, collapsed and did not c 'was to get it up, it was the motivation that prompted the shepherds to dig in that point to find this cave with a central altar ... in the period of the SS Trinità with a procession that starts from the village Torricella and reaches the church, a wonderful tradition, which makes you take a dip in the past !!

The church above is of recent construction and houses the simulacrum of the Madonna delle Grazie, probably made in 1800.