Grotta del Trullo

The Grotta del Trullo is a karst cave in the countryside around Putignano, entered through a three-coned trullo built above its opening. Discovered during sewer works in 1931, it was formally inaugurated as a visitor cave in 1935.

Why it matters

Putignano's municipal tourism portal describes the cave as the first of its kind opened to visitors in Apulia. Its rapid protection after discovery and the purpose-built entrance pavilion reflect the town's response to the find in the 1930s.

What to notice

The trullo above the entrance is an unusual architectural threshold to the underground chamber. Inside, stalactites, stalagmites and other mineral formations reflect the cave's continuing karst processes. The official local account notes tonal variations from amber to ivory among the concretions.

Context and history

Workers uncovered the cavity on 29 May 1931 while excavating the sewer network. On 28 June, the town requested protection under Italy's 1922 heritage law. A three-coned trullo pavilion was completed in 1934, and the cave was inaugurated on 21 June 1935 in the presence of Umberto of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont. Later speleological exploration extended beyond the visitor route.