Murge Plateau – Puglia: expanses of stone, clear horizons and silences shaped by the wind. The Murge Plateau extends in the heart of central Puglia, between Bari, Matera and Salento, offering a unique landscape made of rock, light and open spaces. It is a hard and bare land, sculpted by time and the hand of man, where pastures, dry stone walls, jazzi and ancient farms alternate. The Murge Alte, around Altamura and Minervino, rise over 500 meters; the Murge Basse slopes gently towards the sea. 🌬️ A plateau of light and limestone: Limestone dominates everywhere, reflecting the sun and creating a brilliant, stark landscape. Here, the climate is dry, the rains scarce, and the wind sculpts every corner. This harsh environment has favored a resistant and authentic agriculture: vines, olive trees, wheat and breeding in the wild. The result is an essential and perfectly adapted ecosystem. 👉 Tip: Reach the plateau of Pulo di Altamura: a spectacular sinkhole carved into the heart of the Murgia, perfect for excursions between nature and geology. 🏞️ Fields, stone and rural architecture: The landscapes of the Murge alternate open spaces and deep karst furrows, such as ravines and sinkholes. The architecture is essential: farms in living stone, kilometer-long dry stone walls, rock churches and pastoral shelters. Villages such as Gravina in Puglia, Ruvo di Puglia, Spinazzola and Laterza still retain a slow and peasant soul. 👉 Tip: Walk through the sheep tracks of Alta Murgia at sunset: the warm light draws every curve of the landscape and turns the stone into gold. 🚶 Paths between nature and archaeology: The plateau is a paradise for hikers, photographers and lovers of slow tourism. The Alta Murgia National Park offers well-marked paths among wild orchids, Palaeolithic sites, caves and spectacular views. The presence of the dinosaurs of Altamura and the Man of Altamura adds a unique charm to these ancient lands. 👉 Tip: Visit the Lamalunga Visitor Center to discover the geological and archaeological history of the plateau through experiential paths. 🍽️ Dry flavors and peasant cuisine: The cuisine of the Murge is essential, rich in flavor and deeply linked to the land. Pane di Altamura PDO, legumes, caciocavallo, sheep meat, wild vegetables and extra virgin olive oil tell of an authentic gastronomic identity. Local wines – such as Gravina DOC and Castel del Monte DOCG – complement every meal with elegance and structure. 👉 Tip: Try warm bread with oil and tomato in a farmhouse: absolute simplicity, unforgettable flavor. 🎉 Pastoral rites and stone festivals: The Murge celebrate the land with seasonal festivals and traditions related to transhumance, harvesting and rural devotion. Romanesque cathedrals dot the plateau, while cultural festivals, walks and food and wine festivals enliven the peak seasons. The culture here is discreet but deeply rooted. 👉 Tip: Take part in a night trek in the park: walking under the stars among the rocks is a rare and unforgettable experience. The Murge Plateau is a land of deep silences, where every stone tells of millennia, and every horizon invites you to slow down, listen and rediscover the essential.