Gravina in Puglia: Discovering the Traditions of Gravina

Gravina in Puglia hosts the headquarters of the Alta Murgia National Park. The toponym "Gravina" refers to the "gravine" (cracks in the earth's crust resembling canyons).

Its territory has been inhabited since the Early Paleolithic. It was first influenced by the Greeks and later occupied by Rome. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was incorporated into the domain of the Lombard invaders. Many years later, Gravina played a significant role in the historical events of the late 19th century, contributing greatly to the Unification of Italy with patriots and martyrs from the wars of independence and World War I.

Monuments and points of interest:

• Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta: built in Romanesque style, it was destroyed between 1447 and 1456 following an earthquake that shook the entire region. It took thirty years for its reconstruction, which was carried out thanks to Bishop Matteo D'Aquino. Today, the church presents a synthesis of different architectural styles: late Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque. The interior features a carved and gilded wooden ceiling in Baroque style.
• Among the most significant monuments is the Federician Castle built by Frederick II of Swabia in 1231, located on top of a small hill. The rectangular-shaped castle with four towers had three floors, of which only parts of the perimeter walls and the base remain today.
• The Monumento dei Caduti: a bronze monument created by sculptor Angelo Galli, located at the center of the municipal park. The flag representing Italy appears to merge with the running horse, while the soldiers below represent the movement of the Italian people rebelling against oppression.

Typical dishes

To understand the traditions of Gravina, one must start with the table, tasting the typical cuisine that offers unique dishes. The typical products are:

• Cardoncello: a mushroom that grows in the Gravina Murgia, often added to sauces to accompany homemade pasta.
• Focaccia di San Giuseppe: made with focaccia dough and filled with salted anchovies.
• Calzoni alla ricotta: locally called "calzune", these are a typical dish of Gravina cuisine. They are sweet pastries filled with ricotta, sometimes mixed with sugar, chocolate, or candied fruits, and wrapped in a leavened dough. The shape of the calzone resembles a half-moon or a small pocket and is typically fried or baked.
• Pollo ripieno alla gravinese: a whole chicken stuffed with a rich and tasty filling. The stuffing generally includes ground meat, stale bread soaked in milk, eggs, cheese (such as pecorino or caciocavallo), garlic, parsley, pepper, and rosemary. Some versions also include vegetables like carrots and zucchini or dried fruit such as pine nuts and raisins.

Events and festivals

Gravina in Puglia, like many other cities in Puglia, is rich in traditions and festivities celebrating local culture, religious traditions, and social gatherings. Here are some of the main festivals and events that take place in Gravina in Puglia throughout the year:

• Fiera di San Giorgio: one of the oldest and most significant traditions, held every April 23rd since 1294, in celebration of St. George, the Patron Saint of the city. It is a traditional commercial and agricultural exhibition in honor of St. George, with stalls, local products, folkloric performances, and a solemn religious procession.
• Festa di San Michele Arcangelo e San Filippo Neri: a religious celebration held on September 29th for St. Michael and on May 26th for St. Philip Neri. The feast of St. Michael includes a procession with the statue of the saint through the streets of the city, while the feast of St. Philip features religious and social events. Both festivals are important moments of devotion and community gathering for the people of Gravina.
• Sagra del Fungo (September): Gravina is also known for its mushrooms, which are a typical ingredient in local cuisine. Every year, during the Sagra del Fungo, gastronomic events are organized where visitors can taste typical dishes made with mushrooms and other local products. The festival usually takes place in September and is an important showcase for the culinary traditions of the area.