Centro Visite Lamalunga
Visitor centre in the Alta Murgia National Park on karst, speleology and the discovery of the Uomo di Altamura (Man of Altamura) in the Lamalunga cave, with the “Stanza dei pipistrelli” (bat room).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The visitor centre is located in the Alta Murgia National Park, about 3 kilometres from Altamura, and is run by the municipality. It belongs to the museum network of the Uomo di Altamura, whose fossil skeleton was identified in 1993 by the CARS caving group in the Lamalunga cave: the remains belong to a Homo neanderthalensis who lived between 180,000 and 130,000 years ago. The cave can be reached through a sinkhole about ten metres deep followed by a passage of some sixty metres, but it is not open to the public.
The exhibition route is devoted to karst, the environment of the Alta Murgia and speleology: a selection of minerals and fossils tells the story of the Earth and the geology of the area, while caving equipment illustrates the work of experts in karst cavities. The history of the discovery of the fossil skeleton is also presented. The visit includes audiovisual aids.
In the “Stanza dei pipistrelli” (bat room), visitors walk through a dimly lit labyrinth wearing helmets with distance sensors, headphones and visors: the sounds emitted by the sensors guide the visitor, much like bats' echolocation. From the centre, the entrance to the Grotta dell'Uomo, the Grotta della Capra, the Pulo and the Parco della Mena can be reached on foot.
Highlights
- “Stanza dei pipistrelli” (bat room): dark route with sensor helmets
- History of the discovery of the Uomo di Altamura
- Minerals, fossils and caving equipment
- Karst and environment of the Alta Murgia
- Excursions to the Grotta della Capra, the Pulo and the Parco della Mena
Permanent exhibition
- Carsismo, ambiente e speleologia – Route on karst, the geology of the Alta Murgia, minerals, fossils and speleology, including the bat room.
- Operated by
- Comune di Altamura
- Visitors per year
- approx. 7,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s; under-12s only when accompanied. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one family member or assistant. |
The single ticket is also valid for the Museo dell'Uomo di Altamura and Palazzo Baldassarre. Free admission also for EU-licensed tourist guides, ICOM members, accredited scholars, volunteers from partner organisations, Italian teachers with an annual certificate and students from EU schools with their teachers (booking required). The Grotta della Capra has a separate ticket.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Hands-on stations
The bat room offers an interactive route in the dark; educational activities are planned for schools.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit can be combined with extra activities, guided tours and excursions, especially for schools. The Grotta della Capra admits groups of up to 10 people per visit, with helmet and lighting. |
