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Gravina in Puglia

Description

Located on the border with Basilicata, on the Western part of the Murgia, Gravina in Puglia is an area rich in caves and ravines. Inhabited since the Paleolithic period, it was later ruled by Greeks and Romans, as evidenced by findings in recent excavations. It gained the title of "garden of delights", under the rule of Frederick II of Swabia, who had a castle, today in ruins, built here for hunting and pleasure purposes.
The Basilica Cathedral, dates back to the Norman domination times, built in Romanesque style according to the canons in use at the time (length twice the width). Severely damaged by a fire in 1447 and by an earthquake in 1456, it was completely rebuilt and currently presents a basilica plan with one wide nave and two narrower aisles. Inside it preserves a painting of Bardinello of 1779, a XVII century wooden crucifix and a XVI century finely carved wooden choir.
The Finya Library, one of the oldest in Apulia, was founded in 1686 and entitled to its highest donor, Cardinal Francesco Antonio Finy. It houses about 8,000 volumes.
Interesting are also the Church of San Francesco (XV-XVI century), St. Augustine's Church, built by the Hermit Fathers, the rural churches of St. Andrew, St. Basilio, St. Mary of the Angels, St. Michael of the Caves and St. Mary la nova.

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