GemmaAltamura might just be the culinary hidden gem you’ve been dreaming of. Nestled in the heart of Puglia, this town is famous for its world-renowned bread, traditional cheeses, and local specialties that make every bite unforgettable. If you love food and have a thirst for authentic Italian flavors, Altamura is a place you absolutely need to explore.
From my own personal experience, visiting Altamura is like stepping into a living kitchen, where every street has its own aroma and every market stall tells a story. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just someone who enjoys a great meal, there’s something here to excite every taste bud. Let me show you how I explored Altamura and the top 10 things you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Taste the Legendary Altamura Bread
No visit to Altamura is complete without trying its famous bread, known as Pane di Altamura. This bread has a protected designation of origin (PDO), meaning it is crafted with strict traditional methods using local wheat and natural sourdough. Its crust is thick and golden, while the inside is soft and airy — a perfect combination.
The best way to enjoy it is fresh from a local bakery, perhaps with just a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or paired with some local cheeses. From my own personal experience, the first bite of this bread is unforgettable — it’s earthy, wholesome, and full of character.
Some bakeries even offer tours where you can see the dough being kneaded and baked in traditional stone ovens. Watching the process firsthand makes you appreciate the craftsmanship and time that goes into creating this iconic bread.
2. Explore the Historic Altamura Cathedral
While food might be the main attraction, your culinary journey deserves a little culture too. The Altamura Cathedral, with its Romanesque architecture and intricate stone carvings, is a must-see. Built in the 13th century, this cathedral stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.
From a foodie’s perspective, this is a great place to admire the artistry and then imagine the traditional banquets that might have been held here centuries ago. The nearby squares often have small cafes or gelaterias, so you can combine sightseeing with a sweet treat. Trust me, after walking through the cathedral, a creamy gelato feels even more satisfying.
3. Visit Local Markets for Fresh Produce
Altamura’s markets are a treasure trove for food lovers. Here, you’ll find freshly harvested vegetables, seasonal fruits, aromatic herbs, and even locally produced pasta and cheese. The markets are buzzing with energy, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life in this part of Puglia.
Don’t just admire — interact! Talk to the vendors, ask about their products, and try the olives or cheeses they recommend. You’ll quickly realize that Puglia’s ingredients are a key reason why the food tastes so amazing. From my own personal experience, wandering through the market early in the morning gives you a real sense of connection to the food culture here.
4. Discover Altamura’s Cheese Delights
Puglia is famous for its cheese, and Altamura has plenty to offer. Caciocavallo and ricotta forte are local specialties that you absolutely need to try. Caciocavallo is a semi-hard cheese that melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the city’s bread, while ricotta forte has a sharp, tangy flavor that’s unique to this region.
Many small dairies offer tastings, allowing you to sample cheese right where it’s made. This hands-on experience is not just delicious but educational — you learn about the traditional methods passed down through generations. A cheese plate in Altamura isn’t just food; it’s history on a plate.
5. Indulge in Altamura’s Pasta Culture
Pasta is the soul of Italian cuisine, and in Altamura, it’s taken to another level. Local varieties such as orecchiette and cavatelli are made from semolina flour grown nearby and are often served with rich, slow-cooked sauces featuring local vegetables or meats.
The beauty of Altamura’s pasta is its texture — firm yet tender, perfect for soaking up sauces. From my overall experience, tasting pasta here is like tasting the essence of Puglia itself: simple, honest, and utterly satisfying. Look for family-run trattorias for an authentic experience — these are the places where recipes have been perfected over decades.
6. Take a Cooking Class
If you want to bring a piece of Altamura home with you, nothing beats a cooking class. Many local chefs offer hands-on sessions where you can learn to make Pane di Altamura, fresh pasta, or traditional pastries.
These classes are more than just cooking — they’re immersive cultural experiences. You learn about ingredients, techniques, and even the stories behind each dish. From my own personal experience, participating in a class not only boosts your cooking skills but also deepens your appreciation for the care that goes into each meal.
7. Savor Local Sweets
Altamura isn’t just about bread and cheese — the desserts are equally impressive. Local favorites include pasticciotti, small custard-filled pastries, and taralli dolci, crunchy, sweet treats perfect for a coffee break.
Many bakeries still make these by hand, following traditional recipes. Try them with a cappuccino or espresso for the ultimate Italian breakfast. You’ll find that the sweetness is balanced, never overwhelming, letting the quality of ingredients shine.
8. Pair Food with Local Wine
Puglia is one of Italy’s most important wine regions, and Altamura is no exception. Local wines, particularly reds made from Primitivo or Negroamaro, complement the city’s cuisine perfectly.
Many restaurants and wineries offer tastings where you can sample wine alongside small plates of cheese, cured meats, or local vegetables. From my own personal experience, pairing wine with Altamura’s dishes transforms a meal into an unforgettable event, highlighting flavors you might not have noticed otherwise.
9. Explore the Countryside and Olive Groves
Food in Altamura doesn’t start on your plate — it starts in the fields. A trip to the surrounding countryside reveals endless olive groves, wheat fields, and farms producing the ingredients for the local cuisine.
Walking through these landscapes gives you a sense of where the food comes from and how it’s nurtured by the land. Many tours even allow you to taste olive oil straight from the press. The freshness and depth of flavor are a revelation. From my own personal experience, nothing tastes as good as olive oil sampled directly at the source.
10. Attend a Food Festival
Altamura hosts several food festivals throughout the year, celebrating bread, cheese, pasta, and more. These events are lively, filled with music, laughter, and, of course, incredible food.
Food festivals are perfect for trying multiple dishes in one go and discovering local specialties you might not find otherwise. You’ll also meet passionate producers who are eager to share their knowledge and stories. From my own personal experience, attending a festival in Altamura is like being invited to a giant, joyful family meal where everyone shares their best recipes.
Altamura is a food lover’s paradise, offering a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and authenticity. Every corner of this town tells a story, whether it’s the aroma of freshly baked bread, the tang of artisanal cheese, or the richness of a homemade pasta sauce. Visiting Altamura isn’t just about eating — it’s about experiencing the culture, the history, and the passion that goes into every dish.
If you’re planning your trip, take your time, explore the streets, chat with locals, and savor every bite. From my own personal experience, diving into Altamura’s food scene is a journey that lingers long after your visit, leaving you with memories as rich and satisfying as the dishes themselves.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.