알타 무르지아 국립공원 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

Very interesting to be able to visit the structure (although there is a private property sign) kept in an acceptable state

Jazzo del Demonio recalls a disturbing story from 1870, when two shepherds, taking refuge in the jazzo, met a tired traveller. A sudden revelation of his cloven hooves revealed his demonic identity, giving the place an atmosphere of sulphurous curse and a tale passed down for over 150 years.

Path immersed in the nature of the Mercadante Forest, in the Alta Murgia National Park.

Once taken place, however, everything suddenly changes. Sitting down, the gentleman lifts his habit, leaving his legs uncovered and thus showing two goat legs that end in a hoof. The shepherds, moved by enormous fright, scream "the devil", taking refuge under an iron crucifix. And the mysterious gentleman at that point, after glaring at the two, vanishes in a flash, leaving behind only the smell of sulfur. The next morning the shepherds, after spending a night on the alert, told everyone about the strange encounter. The story spread everywhere and since then, more than 150 years later, there isn't a person who passes by here doesn't remember the night when the Devil got lost in the countryside of the isolated Murgia.

It is a winter night in 1870 when two shepherds with their flock take refuge in the jazzo to find shelter from the cold. While they are around the fire, their dogs start barking for no reason, one after the other for at least half an hour, until the wind stops whistling. At that moment the shepherds, wrapped in a surreal silence, are moved by a loud and repeated knock on the door. So they go to open the door and find a dilapidated traveler on the threshold, covered in a habit and a large hood. The man reports that he lost his way and was drawn there by the smoke from the fire. Despite the strange tone of voice, somewhat hoarse and difficult to understand, the two let him in to offer him shelter.

A very singular story gives the name to this site: in fact, it is said that on a winter night in 1870 Satan in person visited two shepherds who, with their flock, had stopped to rest in the jazzo.

The wide path proceeds in the shade of the wood which gives pleasant refreshment, especially in the hottest months of the year.

The farmhouse, typical of these areas, is a set of rural buildings, often built in stone, used for various purposes including: housing, animal shelter and support for farms. Only the ruins remain of Masseria Persio today, but its structure can still be understood.