Insediamento rupestre Macurano
Museum | Alessano | Puglia | Italy
The Rupestrian Settlement of Macurano in Alessano, Puglia, is an archaeological site that documents the history of an ancient settlement dating back to the Byzantine era. The settlement was used by a small agricultural community and was characterized by its fertility, supported by a sophisticated system of channels and cisterns. The region was also known in the past for its two still functioning oil mills, Trappeto Sauli and Trappeto Santa Lucia, highlighting the importance of olive oil production in the area.
In the 16th century, the fortified Masseria Macurano was built on the site, including a chapel that can still be visited today. The site shows remarkable remains of hypogeal oil mills, tombs, food storage silos, and rock-cut graves in limestone. Some of these caves and tombs are no longer accessible, while others are still considered important archaeological finds.
The area of Macurano also features Roman road remnants and a medieval structure, indicating the long history of settlement in this region. The settlement area is divided into two main zones: a northern one that includes numerous rock caves, and a southern one that has been impacted by limestone quarrying. This historical site offers a fascinating insight into the lives of people who lived and worked in this region for many centuries, closely intertwining with local history and culture.
