# Altamura

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q19306](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19306)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altamura)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/altamura

## Summary
Altamura is an Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Metropolitan City of Bari, within the Apulia region of southern Italy. Known for its historical and cultural significance, it is home to landmarks such as the Altamura Cathedral (founded in 1232) and the Pulo di Altamura, a notable geological sinkhole. The city is also a key transportation hub, served by the Altamura railway station, and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, Italy.
- **Population**: Approximately 70,455 residents (varies slightly by source: 70,514 and 69,880).
- **Coordinates**: 40.816666666667° N, 16.55° E.
- **Administrative Classification**: A *comune* (municipality) of Italy.
- **Historical Landmarks**:
  - **Altamura Cathedral**: Founded in 1232.
  - **Pulo di Altamura**: A significant sinkhole and natural site.
- **Transportation**: Served by the Altamura railway station, managed by RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana).
- **Religious Significance**: Seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti (established September 30, 1986).
- **Settlements**: Includes the locality of Casal Sabini.
- **Website**: Official municipal site at [https://www.comune.altamura.ba.it/](https://www.comune.altamura.ba.it/).
- **Wikidata**: Identified as  with 76 sitelinks.

## FAQs
**Where is Altamura located?**
Altamura is located in the Metropolitan City of Bari, within the Apulia region of southern Italy. It lies at coordinates 40.816666666667° N, 16.55° E.

**What are the main landmarks in Altamura?**
Altamura is home to the Altamura Cathedral, founded in 1232, and the Pulo di Altamura, a notable geological sinkhole. The city also hosts the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti.

**How is Altamura connected to the broader region?**
Altamura is served by the Altamura railway station, which is part of Italy’s national rail network managed by RFI. It is also part of the Metropolitan City of Bari, a key administrative division in Apulia.

**What is the population of Altamura?**
The population of Altamura is approximately 70,455, with slight variations reported in different sources (70,514 and 69,880).

**What is the historical significance of Altamura?**
Altamura has been a significant settlement since the medieval period, as evidenced by its 13th-century cathedral. It also plays a role in the religious administration of the region as the seat of a Catholic diocese.

## Why It Matters
Altamura holds historical, cultural, and administrative importance in southern Italy. As a *comune* within the Metropolitan City of Bari, it contributes to the regional governance and infrastructure of Apulia. Its landmarks, such as the Altamura Cathedral and the Pulo di Altamura, attract cultural and geological interest, while its railway station ensures connectivity within Italy’s transport network. The presence of the Roman Catholic Diocese further underscores its role as a religious and community center in the region.

## Notable For
- **Historical Cathedral**: Home to the Altamura Cathedral, one of the oldest in the region (founded 1232).
- **Geological Wonder**: The Pulo di Altamura, a significant sinkhole and natural attraction.
- **Religious Center**: Seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti.
- **Transportation Hub**: Served by the Altamura railway station, facilitating regional and national travel.
- **Administrative Role**: A key *comune* within the Metropolitan City of Bari, contributing to local governance.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Altamura is situated in the Apulia region of southern Italy, within the Metropolitan City of Bari. Its coordinates are 40.816666666667° N, 16.55° E, placing it in a strategic position within the region. The municipality covers an area that includes both urban and rural landscapes, with notable natural features such as the Pulo di Altamura, a large sinkhole.

### Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Altamura is renowned for its historical and cultural sites. The **Altamura Cathedral**, founded in 1232, stands as a testament to the city’s medieval heritage. The **Pulo di Altamura** is another significant landmark, attracting visitors for its geological and scenic value. Additionally, the city is home to the **Roman Catholic Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti**, established on September 30, 1986, which serves as a religious administrative center for the surrounding area.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
Altamura is well-connected through its **railway station**, managed by RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana). This station is part of Italy’s national rail network, providing essential links to other cities in Apulia and beyond. The infrastructure supports both passenger and freight transport, contributing to the city’s role as a regional hub.

### Administrative and Demographic Details
As a *comune* of Italy, Altamura is governed under the broader administrative framework of the Metropolitan City of Bari. The city’s population is approximately 70,455, with minor variations reported in different sources (70,514 and 69,880). The official municipal website, [https://www.comune.altamura.ba.it/](https://www.comune.altamura.ba.it/), provides further details on local governance and services.

### Related Entities
Altamura is associated with several notable entities, including:
- **Casal Sabini**: A settlement within the municipality.
- **Metropolitan City of Bari**: The larger administrative division to which Altamura belongs.
- **Province of Bari**: The historical province that preceded the Metropolitan City of Bari.
- **Italy**: The sovereign state in which Altamura is located, with its rich cultural and historical context.

### Digital Presence
Altamura is represented in digital knowledge bases, including Wikidata, with 76 sitelinks across various languages. The municipality maintains an official website, ensuring accessibility to information about local governance, tourism, and services.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. archINFORM
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. MusicBrainz
6. [Source](http://demo.istat.it/bilmens2016gen/index02.html)
7. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
8. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
9. GeoNames
10. [Comuni pugliesi per altitudine](https://www.tuttitalia.it/puglia/74-comuni/altitudine/)
11. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
12. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
13. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
14. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/045ba05f-6fe1-424a-835b-4ba8ccd919b9)
15. Seismic classification in Italy
16. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)