The Via Ellenica in the Land of the Ravines

Matera

Welcome to Matera, one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
In Matera the streets hide priceless treasures such as the cave-houses that take shape from the soft rock. The historic centre houses the Cathedral of the Madonna della Bruna, with its architecture enhanced by the Romanesque style.

From Ginosa to Laterza

16 km

Today you will slowly move into the lands of transhumance. It is a wild landscape, dominated by nature, in which man has been able to adapt harmoniously. From here, in the footsteps of the ancient shepherds, you will continue up to the slopes of the Murgia San Pellegrino pine forest to then end the daily stage in Laterza.
The ancient town of Laterza stands in the shadow of the second largest ravine in Europe whose environmental and landscape richness are protected. By descending along the ravine you will reach the Sanctuary of Mater Domini which preserves an underground environment with precious 12th century frescoes. Particularly relevant within the territory is the artisanal production of the characteristic Maiolica di Laterza: some examples are preserved within the city's Art Institute, while the majority is obviously exhibited and enhanced in the rooms of the Maiolica Museum.

From Castellaneta to Mottola

18 km

Today’s stage of the Via Ellenica runs along expanses of olive groves and cultivated fields in the large and evocative Terre delle Gravine Regional Natural Park.
In the territory of Palagianello you will find a characteristic rock village that is worth visiting by crossing the panoramic stairways and the incredible paths. Once past the small village with the Caracciolo Stella Castle, you will cross an area rich in prehistoric settlements such as the ancient rock church of San Nicola, a magnificent example of popular sacred art, and the church of Sant’Angelo, the only example of a sacred structure on two floors.
An ancient path that starts from the spectacular village of Casalrotto with its excavated caves, marks the entrance to the town of Mottola. From the hill from which the ancient town stands you can enjoy a wonderful view that goes from the Gulf of Taranto to the Sila Plateau, spanning the entire Ionian coast between Puglia and Calabria with the beautiful Church of San Gregorio which preserves some frescoes among the most visited in Puglia.

From Massafra to Crispiano

18 km

The evocative passage from an ancient 1400s farmhouse surrounded by the flavors and smells of a rich vineyard, marks the arrival in the Lands of the Gravine.
You will cross fascinating paths that connect picturesque cave settlements hidden among the thick vegetation, and you will arrive at Crispiano along the imposing karst wall that overlooks the Gulf of Taranto and which acts as a natural protection for the small inhabited centers perched in the hinterland. The karst valley of "Vallone" represents the ideal destination for a walk immersed in the history of this incredible territory which still retains that natural soul that distinguishes it, among incredible caves set in the rock, masserie, some of which are of notable historical and architectural interest, and community churches: you will feel like you are walking back in time. 

Goodbye Martina Franca!

After breakfast, end of services.
The historic center of Martina Franca has a particular baroque style that cannot be found in any other city, not by chance it later became “Martina baroque” that welcomes every traveler with a warm welcome to the Itria Valley.

Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each walker can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.