Escursione Pulo di Altamura

The Pulo di Altamura is the largest karst sinkhole in the Alta Murgia park, formed by erosion and the subsequent collapse of the ceiling of an underground cavity. It opens at about 477 meters above sea level on the Murge plateau, 6 km from Altamura. The depression is elliptically shaped at the top and carved into limestone. Its major axis measures 550 meters, and the maximum depth reaches 92 meters. It is considered a collapse sinkhole, although only a section of the perimeter features steep rock walls. The northern wall has caves and tunnels, which can be described as interstratal cavities; these caves have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, as evidenced by the numerous artifacts found. Saint William of Vercelli, founder of the Montevergine Abbey, is believed to have lived in one of these caves. The unique microclimate, created by the exposure of the walls, their shape, and the relative humidity near the caves, allows for the development of flora and fauna different from the rest of the plateau. A pair of imperial ravens, the Lanner falcon, various species of nocturnal birds of prey, and bats nest here. Among the plant species, there are orchids, Mediterranean scrub, ferns in shaded and moist environments, and umbilicus rupestris (navelwort).

Meeting at 9:00 AM at the WWF office in Mellitto
Participation fee: €5.00 for non-members, €3.00 for WWF ITALIA members, Free for volunteers and WWF ALTA MURGIA TERRE PEUCETE members

Path specifications:
Circular path at mid-height level E.E
Travel time: 2h 30m
Valley floor path E
Travel time: 30 minutes

Necessary equipment:
Hiking shoes, water, trekking poles

The excursion is led by a WWF volunteer expert in speleology.
How to register for the excursion:
Write to the association's email wwfaltamurgiaterrepeucete@gmail.com
indicating your name, surname, and telephone reference.
Maximum participant limit: 30
The deadline for participation in the excursion is set for March 14, 2025. The excursion will be postponed in case of adverse weather conditions. The schedule is purely indicative. Please equip yourself with suitable gear (HIKING SHOES, WATER, TREKKING TROUSERS). The association reserves the right to exclude participants lacking this equipment.

The excursion is organized with personal vehicles and at one's own risk. For a lower environmental impact, it is suggested to organize carpooling with fully occupied cars.
Web: www.facebook.com/wwfaltamur...