Massafra (source: Visual Puglia )
Massafra is located in the hinterland, north of Taranto, near Palagiano. The origins of the town have been disputed over the years, with ideas alternating over time as to its original foundation: the theory appears to have been all but abandoned that Massafra was founded by the Messapii, while greater credibility is given to the theory that the town was founded by militia and followers of Hannibal in 754 B.C. Over the centuries, the territory of Massafra saw alternating pagan and Christian followers which, after the considerable flow of Greek Byzantine immigrants, lead to the establishment of cave settlements and the development of the rock civilisation for which the territory is widely known. There are also numerous tales, some even bordering on legend, on the battles fought by the people of Massafra to defend their territory from invasion. In the X century, the Massafra feud extended to the counties of Mottola and Castellaneta. Some legends say that Frederick II used to go to Massafra Castle to court Bianca Laura and Manfred was born out of this relationship. There are also various traces of Pappacoda feudal rule, which began in 1497, under which Massafra witnessed a period of magnificence and revival.In 1648 popular riots lead to the liberation of Massafra from Carmignano, with the town surrendering to the Marquis of Oria and Francavilla and leading to a new period of splendour.
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Taranto and its province have their most ancient roots in rock settlements and Greek culture. Two civilizations which developed well in this area of Southern Apulia thanks the conformation of a land once rich in water and very fertile, so much that Greek settlers were attracted by it and founded Taranto in 706 b.C. The presence of water courses, now flowing underground, is also witnessed by the several caves and creeks one can see in this area. A result of erosion, they are an ideal scenario for the development of those rock-settlement civilizations that spread over the whole region and particularly in Taranto area. Today, this province show a slightly sharper aspect in its inland, sandy sea beds and limpid sea in Taranto Gulf area. Ancient civilizations are still visible in the charm of wonderful landscapes included in natural settings.
In Taranto Murge there are deep ravines resulting from the action of ancient rivers as well as several karstic caves where a flourishing rock-settlement civilization rose since prehistory. Often a haven for shepherds and peasants, these same caves were used in Middle Ages as a place of worship by Basilian monks. Traces and witnesses of rock settlements, hypogeous hamlets and frescoed walls can be seen near Mottola and Massafra
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In Taranto province inland area, characterized by a green landscape, olive groves and vineyards, there are several small towns like Manduria or Grottaglie, which roots can be found in ancient Messapi civilization. These towns often offer very interesting archeological and naturalistic parks
The Ionian coast is characterized by wide beaches and a limpid water sloping gently into deepness. Cities such as Taranto, also known as the "city of two seas" stand over this coast, and Pulsano with their tourist vocation and famous local food
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia