Lectura Dantis at the Grotto of Sant'Oronzo

Sant'Oronzo alla Grotta is the second-largest church in Turi. It was built in the first half of the 1700s, at the wish of the citizens and the friars of the local Franciscan convent, after the discovery of the grotto in 1658, where legend has it the bishop of Lecce, Oronzo, took refuge to escape the persecutions of the Romans.

Recently restored, the church has three naves, at the end of which are as many altars.

Imposing is the staircase leading into the grotto below, where there is an altar and a beautiful "carpet" of majolica tiles.

In this enchanting setting the readings of the Divine Comedy were held, very well attended, led by a teacher from Bari. For those who want to reach the grotto, near the local necropolis on the SS100 for Turi about a km after the town centre, follow the signs: it is open every first Sunday of the month and for the last fifteen days of August