Grottole is one of the oldest villages in the region, so named for its grotticelle, the grottos that are still used today to work clay, creating vases, jugs and other handicraft tools.
A little detached from the inhabited centre on the Motta hill stands the feudal castle, characterised by different environments, some still well preserved.
In the historic centre it is possible to admire the remains of the so-called Diruta church, never completely built, dedicated to Saints Luca and Giuliano. Not to be missed is the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, with the annexed former convent of the Dominican friars, the Church of Santa Maria la Grotta, rededicated to San Rocco, while on the top of the Altojanni plateau stands the Sanctuary of Sant’Antonio Abate, not far from the archaeological remains of a medieval city.
