The Necropolis of ' la Salata'
THE PALEOCHRISTIAN
NECROPOLISES OF THE GARGANO
The Necropolises of Vieste are a gathering of burial sites carved into caves and
situated far from the town centre. These sites date back to the Paleochnstian
period.The grave sites, were dug out of the rock, and scattered about some dug
Into the floors and along the walls, while others are placed on top of another
under arcosolia.
Leading to these caves are long narrow passage ways, used either as dwellings or
animal shelters by prehistoric men.
THE NECROPOLIS OF "LA SALATA"
La Salata, or Salatella, necropolises cover an area of slightly more than 6.000
square meters along the northwest ndge in the vicinity of the Gabbiano Beach
Resort. La Salatella Necropolis sits high one and two communicating caves are
found at this site. Beginning on the left (A) you will find two chambers while
one of the right (B) contains the so called ''canopy" tomb. At the same altitude
more or less there is a much smaller cave containing small burial sites (C).
Continuing along the seaward path there is another smafl site where only one
arcosoliurn remains. Ten meters further along the path lies a major site,
consisting of two communicating chambers with an opening, on the opposite wall.The
first of these two burial sites is in partial ruin (E), while the second larger
one, located below, has a central pilar surrounded by a number tombs (F). La
Salata Necropolis, the largest and the most spectacular of two sites, sits 30
meters high, overlooking the sea and has a small natural stream flowing out from
its cave. A brook flowing out from a natural grotto makes it feel even more
out-of-the-way (Grotto A). In the second, the graves of various sizes, are
scattered and often positioned at considerable heights and the most remote
recesses (Grotto B). Along the left-hand wall of this cave, visitors will see
arcosolia, surrounded by neatly arranged tombs, while two overlying chambers can
be found along the right-hand wall.
LA SALATA
THE TERRITORY, VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE
Apart from its obvious archeobgical importance, La Salata also stands out for
its particular geology, botanical and wildlife variety.
The area has a carsic origin and there are two streams that flow through It,
part of a long underground run of meteoric waters. Before disappearing below
surface and reaching the sea, these waters flow through a cavernous region of
limestone formation containing nummulite fossil remains. Along the Gargano coast
from Leslna to Mattinata there are over 200 natural springs of this kind. The
waters which spring out from one of the caves at La Salata are crystal clear and
quite salty. Frogs, water turtles and water snakes abound. As for the sea fauna,
we find eels and grey mullets that come to lay their eggs. The most sighted bird
species, are: owls, wood pigeons, rollers and white wagtails alongside several
other species that populate the bush. The bat is also indigenous to this area.
The vegetation is typically Mediterranean bush, lush and scented. Enormous
thistle plants and colonies of rare watercress, populate the swamps.
For information and booking:
SINERGIE -Turismo - Cultura -
Ambiente
Ve Saragat 3 -71019 Veste (FG) tedia
- Tel/Fax (+39) 0884 706635
e-mail: info@agenziasinergie rt -
www.agenziasinergie.it
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