Site
The ancient rupestral site of Fornello is one of the most interesting and historically important sites in the Murgia region of Puglia. Italy. The presence of dozens rock hewn caves, the evidence of a 3rd century BC settlement, the 1700’s structures of a livestock farm and its peculiar geographic position, represents an historical model of sustainable living practices strictly bound with the geomorphological characteristic and climate of the region.
One of the caves with Byzantine frescos comprised of three layers that date to 1100, 1200, and 1350, suggests the presence of an esicasterion – the primordial form of monastery – and documents a link and a time in history when Byzantine communities, migrating from the Balkans, were establishing themselves in Puglia in the rupestral settlement.
The rupestral settlement of Fornello, which is located about 4 km from the town of Altamura in the province of Bari and region of Puglia, Italy, can be reached from the Altamura-Santeramo road. The settlement is dug along the slopes of a barren hill made of calcareous tufa. The Cava Pontrelli, an extraordinary paleontological site preserving thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back to the Cretaceous period is a mere 500 meters away.
The particular geography of the Fornello site, which is situated between rocky hills and the fertile matine (agricultural fields) in the valley, has contributed to the evolution of the settlement. The hilly environment, typical of this region, complimented the raising and grazing of livestock and various forms of agriculture, including grain production. The caves availed locations for a range of social and religious activities.