Castellaneta is an Apulian city located in the heart of the Regional Park of the Ravine, a valuable naturalistic, historic and archaeological territory, natural heritage, in a part of the province of Taranto better known as Arco Ionico (Ionic Arch).
From its origins that dissolve in the Bronze Age, it was inhabited by the Sicilians, by the Messapi and by the Japigi.
From an economic point of view, agriculture very important. Among the most important crops we have grapes, clementines of the Gulf of Taranto, olives from which is extracted the famous oil called “Olio delle Terre Tarantine”, almond trees, among the most famous in Italy, and durum wheat.
But Castellaneta is primarily a popular tourist destination, winner in 2006 of a sail by Legambiente.
What to see
Particularly fascinating is the Old City, located right on the edge of the ravine of Castellaneta. The layout of the old town has medieval origins, characterized by the presence of numerous alleys and narrow streets.
Among the most significant buildings, the Cathedral, built in 1220, with a beautiful Baroque facade, the carved wooden ceiling and inside it treasures a precious painting of the artist Santacroce.
In the old town there are many noble buildings, a symptom of the great succession of feudal lords in this territory. Worth to be mentioned is Palazzo Catalano with its Oriental style façade, Palazzo Sarapo with a main door in Baroque style and the palaces ofD’Alagni, Lagroia and Frisini.
Also worth seeing are Piazza Umberto I with its central Monumental Fountain and the monument dedicated to the actor Rudolph Valentino (1961), placed at the end of the "Passeggiata", made in ceramic.
Among the rock dwellings, the one of Santa Maria del Pesco, located on the side of the Ravine of Castellaneta right behind the church of the Assumption. The name derives from piscus (rock) because of it’s proximity to the ravine. Inside a painting of the Madonna con il Bambino dating back to the year 1200.
Among the numerous ravines that surround the town, the Gravina Grande which surrounds the entire old town and is one of the largest and most spectacular canyons in Puglia. It extends for ten chilometres with several loops, deep about 145 mt. and wide approx. 300 meters. Along the way there are several historical and archaeological sites.
Events
• March 9 - Fanova, bonfires of San Giuseppe and the greasy pole
• May - Festival in honor of San Francesco da Paola, patron of Castellaneta
• July – Feast of Sant’Anna and the medieval parade
• August - Festival of far'nedd
• August - Sea procession of the Madonna della Stella Maris
• December - Nativity