Discover Putignano City
Source: Fondazione Carnevale di Putignano
The Longest Carnival in Europe – and One of the Oldest in the World!
In Putignano, Carnival lasts all year long!
It begins on December 26th with the Festa delle Propaggini, when local poets battle in dialect with witty, satirical verses in the heart of Piazza Plebiscito.
From January to March, the town comes alive with spectacular parades of papier-mâché floats, crafted by master artisans in the Capannoni workshops on Via Castellana Grotte.
The grand finale? A Summer Carnival in July!
Open Workshops: experience the magic of the Putignano Carnival behind the scenes!
The Fondazione del Carnevale di Putignano, in collaboration with APS Lavori dal Basso – ETS, presents “Botteghe Aperte” (Open Workshops). Until August 31st, every Sunday, you can visit the Workshops of the Papier-Mâché Giants, by reservation only through phone +39 375 5453515.
It’s a unique opportunity to discover the traditional art of Putignano’s papier-mâché and see how the Giants of the oldest Carnival in Europe come to life, through guided tours led by the official guides of the Putignano Carnival.
More info: https://lavoridalbasso.it/evento/botteghe-aperte/
What to See in Putignano
Walk through the historic gates of Porta Barsento and Porta Grande, visit the Mother Church of San Pietro with sculptures by Renaissance artist Stefano da Putignano, and explore the Museo Diffuso del Carnevale, a journey through alleyways, arches and courtyards with photography exhibits, artisan workshops, and the Coriandolaro's studio. Our favorites:
Palazzo dei Cavalieri di Malta, now home to the Museo Civico Romanazzi Carducci features a charming rooftop garden and offers a deep dive into local history and art.
Bookings and Guided Tours:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +39 080 236 7269
La Grotta Carsica di Monte Laureto
The Karst Cave of Monte Laureto is a Sacred Place of private nature with extraordinary beauty and historical and cultural significance, part of the Via Dell'Angelo, the Francigena Ways, and the Michaelian Paths.
It is also home to remarkable artistic treasures, such as the 14th-century and early Renaissance frescoes and the sculptures by Stefano Pugliese, a renowned Renaissance sculptor known as Stefano da Putignano. The mystical site has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries.
Opening Hours
Every Sunday from 9:30 to 12:30. During the week with prior reservation, exclusively for groups and guided tours, by calling +39 333.9633738
Grotta del Trullo
The Grotta del Trullo, also known as the Grotta di Putignano, is perhaps the most fascinating karst cave in the Apulian region. Its modest size and the incredible quantity of stalagmites and stalactites make it a true gem of millenary beauty.
It is the only cave protected by a trullo and the first cave open to tourism in Puglia
Looking for a guided tour in Putignano?
Every Saturday morning, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the staff of BIRRERA OI! offers a guided walking tour of the historic center, ending with a local aperitif. Booking required.
Info & Reservations: +39 391 774 5664
Where to eat in Putignano
We collaborate with local businesses to offer our guests a complete experience and create a direct connection with the people and traditions of the area. Show your booking reference at our partners, and a special welcome awaits you at our favorite spots:
Santa Maria fornello pronto: apulian meat bar
Two generations bound by a single gastronomic tradition: butcher and ready-to-eat dishes. Revisited. Unconventional.
A place for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Everything is cooked using only firewood. And a deep love for natural wine.
Read the menu
Takeaway service is available, with many vegan and vegetarian options.
La Farmacia - Food & Drink
La Farmacia is a restaurant located in the historic center of Putignano, dedicated to highlighting the authentic flavors of traditional Puglian cuisine. They offer a wide selection of dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients, with particular attention to customizing sandwiches, allowing customers to create unique combinations according to their tastes. At La Farmacia, hospitality and quality are at the heart of every gastronomic experience.
Read the menu
The service includes takeaway options, for those who wish to enjoy their specialties anywhere, and a cozy area with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for all seasons. For a more communal experience, they offer a shared table for those who enjoy socializing and sharing good food.
Birreria Oi!
Birreria Oi! was founded in 2014 as a way to liven up Piazza Plebiscito, the historic center, and enjoy some beers. It's a small but sincere brewery.
Read the menu
Premiata Pizzeria
An authentic culinary oasis founded and managed with passion by Valerio and Luigi Loliva. Here, the gastronomic experience is a synergetic combination of talent and dedication. Valerio, the master of the dining room, takes care of every detail in the environment, ensuring the staff provides impeccable service. In the kitchen, Luigi, the genius behind the creations, personally selects the finest ingredients, dedicating his expertise to ensure each dish is a masterpiece of excellence.
Read the menu
We recommend calling for reservations after 6:00 PM.
Coopera
A pub, American bar, and cultural center located in the historic center of Putignano, open since 2017. It offers fresh and genuine food rich in local products: charcuterie and cheese boards, salads, bruschetta, tacos, bagels, and homemade desserts. They specialize in creating all types of drinks expertly crafted by their bartenders.
Read the menu
Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options available.
Takeaway and delivery available from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
NB. CLOSED FROM MAY TILL SEPTEMBER (included)
Osteria Botteghe Antiche
In the heart of the ancient town center of Putignano, once bustling with traditional artisan workshops, beneath the historic palace that houses the Museo Principe Guglielmo Romanazzi Carducci di Santo Mauro, you will find Osteria Botteghe Antiche.
During the warmer seasons, you can dine outdoors in the charming Piazza Plebiscito, surrounded by stunning architecture and in the shade of the 11th-century church bell tower. Every dish at Botteghe Antiche is inspired by the past, preserving tradition and history while evolving and reinventing itself through the hands of Chef Stefano D’Onghia. They are committed to respecting seasonal ingredients and promoting a sustainable supply chain.
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The menu is complemented by a wine list featuring 800 labels, including both conventional and natural wines.
Chi Va Piano
Nestled in the charming historic center of Putignano, CHI VA PIANO offers a unique culinary experience, embracing slowness and respect for nature. Their organic and seasonal cuisine celebrates the authentic flavors of the region, with dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, carefully selected to ensure maximum freshness and quality. The menu features a wide variety of options, designed to satisfy every palate: from vegan and vegetarian dishes, made with seasonal vegetables and organic legumes, to meat specialties, sourced from local farms and cooked over an open flame or in traditional clay pots, enhancing the rich flavors of Apulian tradition.
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A place for those who appreciate unhurried moments, joyful conversations, and the slow rhythm of life.
Mirum
A place of tradition and flavor, located in the main square of Putignano’s historic center, Piazza Plebiscito. The name comes from the Latin word Mirum, which literally means “wonderful,” while in the local Putignano dialect it may sound like “wine.” In fact, the owner’s constant pursuit focuses especially on Apulian wineries, offering a wide selection of regional wines. The venue places great importance on the promotion of zero-kilometer products, enhanced by frequent tastings—especially during the winter months—hosted with a sommelier who suggests pairings with homemade dishes.
Read the menu
They offer vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free options and host live music events throughout the year.
Flavors of Putignano’s Culinary Tradition
Farinella: a traditional flour made from toasted chickpeas and barley, unique to Putignano.
You can buy it at La Farinella in Via Estramurale a Mezzogiorno, 176, Putignano BA
Taralli: classic Apulian snacks made with flour, extra virgin olive oil, and white wine.
You can buy them in any food store of Putignano
To Explore the Region
Check out the official travel guide Travel Guide I Viaggiare in Puglia
📍 Page 71 – Valle d’Itria section