Castellana is a lovely town of the south-eastern tableland of Murge. Those who have heard about Castellana, associate the name immediately to the beautiful caves that have made the town famous all over the world. They have also determined a notable economical and touristic progress in the area.
Changing the name to Castellana Grotte (established by d.p.r.) in 1959, highlights the importance of the complex of pits, swallow-holes and caves (those already discovered are about thirty) to the life of the town.

The ancient village
Following the narrow streets from Porta Grande up to the highest point of the town, transversal stone lines set among the chianche* of the paving can be observed. They served as a support for the hooves of the animals that carried merchandises to the town.
The square situated in front of the clock tower is the main square of the town and the largest part of Piazza Nicola e Costa, with the ancient foundation pillars being a meeting point for the citizens.
Via Roma represents the centre of the old part of the town that was built between 1650 and 1800. There are beautiful houses along the street but the most splendid one is ancient Palazzo Longo, currently Giampietro-Mancini (1739) with frescoed façade and several sculptures adorning it.

* large stones used for street paving