Places
Hike·Easy·Scenic·Hidden gem
Gravina di Picciano, Matera
Basilicata
The Gravina di Picciano is a tributary canyon 15 km north of Matera cutting through the tufa plateau. Its walls hold a chain of rupestrian (rock-cut) Byzantine churches from the 9th–13th centuries, contemporaneous with the Matera Sassi. The canyon walls are used by a nesting colony of griffon vultures — 30+ pairs visible wheeling above the gorge in the morning thermal. Completely unknown to tourists.
Duration
2.5 hours
Distance
6 km
Elevation
+150 m
Best season
March – October
Highlights
- 30+ pairs of griffon vulture nesting in canyon walls
- Chain of 9th-13th century Byzantine rock churches
- 15 km from Matera Sassi — completely unknown
With your dog
Ravine trail; dogs on leash.
