Places
Viewpoint·Easy·Scenic·Popular
Grotta Palombara, Ginosa
Puglia
The Gravina di Ginosa cuts 60 m deep through gypsum and calcarenite near Taranto. Cave churches with Byzantine frescoes are carved into the gorge walls. Lesser kestrel nests in the cave openings — 80+ pairs confirmed, one of the largest colonies in Europe. Eagle owl and blue rock thrush also breed. The gravina was abandoned as a village after a landslide in 1932 and is now completely wild.
Duration
2 hours
Distance
4 km
Elevation
+100 m
Best season
March – June
Highlights
- 80+ lesser kestrel pairs — one of Europe's largest colonies
- Byzantine cave churches with frescoes in the gorge
- Abandoned after 1932 landslide — completely wild now
With your dog
Gravina trail; dogs welcome.
