The origin of Grottaglie (from Latin “Cryptae Aliae” = many, different caves) is rooted in the cave settlements, located in the town area since the Palaeolithic Age.
The first human group abandoned the deep caves and moved to the isolated places on the hills where they settled to take refuge in fortified villages.
It was then that many rural homes were built, including the “Casale Cryptalearum”, the first village unit of the present town centre.
The Normans (11th) donated the “casale” to the Mensa Arcivescovile Tarantina. At the end of 14th century fortified walls together with the Castle and the Mother Church surrounded the Episcopal feud.
Various difficulties and political crises led to the coexistence of two different feudal jurisdictions: both religious and secular. During 17th century the town witnessed to misery and depression due to the badly tolerated Spanish ruling.
18th century was characterized by jurisdiction fights between the Archbishops of Taranto and lay feudal lords until the abolition of feudalism.
Political and social instability and the rising phenomenon of brigandage occurred while people started moving “outside the walls” until the Unit of Italy, when the historical events in Grottaglie followed the same course of action as other urban centres in Southern Italy.
Tourist Office
0995623866 - 800545333
sportelloturistico@comune.grottaglie.ta.it
Tourist Office
099 5620251
www.grottaglieturismo.it
Town Police
0995/620224
