Gravina in Puglia takes its name from the dramatic ravine that borders the town — a deep gorge carved into the limestone, its walls honeycombed with abandoned cave dwellings. The setting is strikingly similar to nearby Matera, just across the border in Basilicata, but without the crowds or the UNESCO tourist infrastructure.
The cave church of San Michele delle Grotte, carved directly into the rock face, is the highlight. Inside, faded frescoes cover the walls of a space that has been used for worship since at least the eighth century. The town above is worth exploring too — narrow streets in the old quarter, baroque palaces, and the remains of a Norman castle overlooking the ravine. The Roman aqueduct bridge spanning the gorge, recently restored, offers dramatic views.