Focaccia in the Caves and Verdeca Wine Festival
A celebration of focaccia and Verdeca wine in Gravina in Puglia
About Focaccia in the Caves
A festival in the heart of Gravina's rock-hewn landscape
The Focaccia in the Caves and Verdeca Wine Festival is a spring tradition held in Gravina in Puglia, in the Metropolitan City of Bari, in the heart of Puglia. The event takes place along the picturesque Calata San Michele delle Grotte, in the Rione Fondovito, one of the most iconic spots in this city carved into limestone, just steps away from the famous rock-hewn church of San Michele delle Grotte.
Focaccia and Verdeca: two symbols of the territory
At the heart of the festival are two defining products of the Gravina area: the Gravina focaccia, soft and fragrant, and the Verdeca wine, a white grape variety native to the Murgia region. During the evenings, local bakeries listed on the event flyer offer their specialties to visitors, who can enjoy freshly baked focaccia paired with a glass of Verdeca in a setting rich in charm and tradition.
The bond with the feast of San Michele delle Grotte
The festival was born and developed in conjunction with the feast of San Michele delle Grotte, the city's patron saint, celebrated on May 8th. The culinary aspect thus intertwines with popular devotion and the parish's religious program: holy masses, processions, and entertainment that involve the entire community of Gravina.
A spirit of solidarity
The Focaccia in the Caves is not just a food and wine festival, but also a charitable initiative. The event is organized by the Church of Sant'Agostino in Gravina, and all proceeds are donated to charity to the church itself and the city's cathedral chapter. Participating means supporting the local community while savoring the authentic flavors of the Murgia.
An experience of flavors and landscapes
Strolling along the Calata San Michele during the festival evenings, amidst caves, stone steps, and the scent of focaccia, is a genuine way to discover the true soul of Gravina in Puglia. The event, reaching its fifth edition in 2026, is now a highly anticipated appointment for residents and visitors alike, successfully uniting gastronomy, tradition, and the unique rock-hewn landscape.
Focaccia in the Caves — edition 2026
Focaccia in the Caves 2026 - the fifth edition
On May 7 and 8, 2026, the Calata San Michele delle Grotte, in the Rione Fondovito of Gravina in Puglia, hosted the fifth edition of the Focaccia in the Caves and Verdeca Wine Festival. The event, organized by the Church of Sant'Agostino, was held in conjunction with the feast of San Michele delle Grotte, the city's patron saint celebrated on May 8th.
During the festival evenings, Gravina's bakeries offered traditional focaccia accompanied by Verdeca wine from the Murgia, in an atmosphere of sharing along the stone steps carved into the rock. As per tradition, all proceeds were donated to charity to the Church of Sant'Agostino and the city's cathedral chapter group.
Programme Focaccia in the Caves 2026
Evenings of May 7 and 8, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM, along the Calata San Michele delle Grotte (Rione Fondovito):
- Tasting of traditional Gravina focaccia offered by local bakeries listed on the flyer
- Tasting of Verdeca wine, a white grape native to the Murgia
- Community moments as part of the feast of San Michele delle Grotte (holy masses and the May 8th procession organized by the parish)
All proceeds donated to the Church of Sant'Agostino and the Cathedral Chapter of Gravina.
Highlights Focaccia in the Caves 2026
- Traditional Gravina focaccia offered by local bakeries
- Verdeca wine from the Murgia for tasting
- Setting within the rock-hewn caves of Calata San Michele
- Charitable initiative supporting the local community
Prices Focaccia in the Caves 2026
Practical information — Focaccia in the Caves
How to get there
By car: Gravina in Puglia can be reached via the SS96 Bari-Altamura road and the SS99 towards Matera. By train: the city is served by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) station on the Bari-Matera line. The Calata San Michele delle Grotte is located in the Rione Fondovito, in the historic center.
Hours and admission
The event takes place in the evening, generally starting at 7:00 PM. Admission is free.
Contact
Organized by the Church of Sant'Agostino in Gravina. For information: tel. +39 080 325 2048.
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Where does it take place — Focaccia in the Caves
Calata San Michele delle Grotte (Rione Fondovito)
Calata San Michele delle Grotte, 70024 Gravina in Puglia