Grottole.
The name of the town probably comes from ‘Cryptulae’,
a Latin word meaning ‘small caves’,
places still used by skilful craftsmen who make
clay vases.
Walking through the town, it is possible to visit
the mother church of the Santi Luca e Giuliano,
where it is possible to admire wooden altars, the
chancel and the choir in Baroque style and a XVIII
century painting portraying the Virgin Mary with
the Infant and the Saints.
The old church of Santa Maria la Grotta, reconsecrated
to St. Rocco, is noteworthy from an artistic point
of view.
The castle can be admired on a hill near the town.
It was built by the Longobard prince Schinuflo in
851, with a square base and towers, of which only
the central one is left.
The production of handmade clay vases, jars and
pitchers is highly developed in this area.
