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Grottaglie, whose original name, Criptae-aliae, means many grottoes, is surronded and built among five main ravines that branche off in other little ravines (Fullonese, Dei Pensieri, Riggio). On their walls there are many grottoes, which are some fascinating proof of the cave civilization such as the cave-house or the little churches.
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The
Ceramic Quartier (district), symbol of the town, is developed in San
Giorgio's Ravine. This part of the town is completely dedicated to the production of
ceramics, with many shops still situated in caves. The abundance of
potter's earth in this area allowed the development of the
ceramics, that, for many centuries, has been the principal source of wealth of the
town..
Grottaglie has an historical
centre contained between two ravines and full of places to
visit: The Episcopal Castle, The Mother Church
(Cathedral), the Monastery of San Francesco da Paola, the
Sanctuary of San Francesco de Geronimo and the Church of Carmine with a crib made by Stefano da Putignano in 1530.
During the summer, the main events are the International Music Festival called "Musica Mundi" in
july, the Ceramics exhibition in august and september, the artistic crib exhibition during Christmas
time and the many "wine and food" tastings in the
Ceramic Quarter.
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