A geosite of great significance due to the presence of the two main rock formations of Apulia: the Bari Limestone and the Altamura Limestone. The karst landscape of the Murgia of Ruvo di Puglia is an area with a dense weave of rural artifacts, embracing dry stone walls, “jazzi” (particular sheep enclosures) and historic masserias such as Masseria Notarvincenzo, Masseria Ferratella and Jazzo del Demonio, where traditions and legends related to farmers and shepherds are intertwined.
Like other towns in Puglia, Ruvo based its economy on limestone mining, as evidenced by its quarrying district. Fossils of bivalves (now extinct) and rudists can be found in the quarries, and a marine reptile from the Mesozoic era has been unearthed and is housed in Bari’s Museum of Earth Sciences.
“Lamas” (wide furrow in the ground typical of the Murge landscape) and caves in the area have been described by Apulian geologist Carmelo Colamonico, among the first to scientifically define karst worldwide. Surrounded by the landscape is the park’s visitor center “Torre dei Guardiani”.
SP14 Geosite – national significance
Location: Ruvo di Puglia (BA)
