In the heart of the High Murgia, Gravina in Puglia is set in the ravines, which cut the plateau like a deep wound in the land. It became one of Frederik II’s favourite cities, who renamed it “The Delights Garden” for its natural beauties and the fertility of the surrounding lands. Stupor Mundi built a castle here, who is now in ruins, for his hunting trips in the surrounding woods. From XIV to XIX Century, Gravina became the manor of the powerful Orsini family. Here, in 1649, was born Pietro Francesco Orsini, future Pope Benedict XIII. The ravines, with their karst cavities, hosted Christian coenobitic communities who left indelible traces by building cave churches. Among the others, San Michele alle Grotte stands out for being witness of the terrible massacre of the citizens during the Saracen siege of 999. The tour continues with the visit of the Romanic cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, restored after the 1456 earthquake and embellished with baroque decorations, and the Church of Purgatory.