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It is the area in which the oldest nucleus of the Gravina civilization originated. The Botromagno Archaeological Site is being studied by prestigious British and Canadian research institutes since 1966. It also is one of the biggest archaeological sites in Southern Italy.
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The toponym Capotenda probably refers to an area where people used to camp, as a way station, as Gravina has always been an important area along historic roads. It is characterized by two parts, a wider and flatter one, closer to the Gravina stream, and a narrower and steeper one, with spectacular rocks that hold containment water tanks. In May it is vary easy to spot the Imperial Raven, if you are into birdwatching.
Deesis
It is incomplete, as evidence of this, some arches and columns are visible and introduce the main nave, without apse; next to it there are two furrows used for burial. There were frescoes dedicated to St. Nicholas and St. Peter, subsequently taken and restored at the E. P. Santomasi Foundation.
These are seven caves worked by man, intercommunicating with each other dating back to the early Christian era due to the presence of an inscription in early Christian Greek and symbols of primitive Christianity. This reminds the visitor of the presence of the first Christians in the land of Gravina to be traced back to the first centuries of Christianity.
Santa Maria della Stella
The name derives from a tradition according to which a fresco of the Madonna and Child with a star on her forehead was found there. Probably used in pagan times for a fertility deity, it became a Marian shrine in the 16th century. The church, whose original access was from the Rione Piaggio, is presented in a single room with side benches. The church can now be accessed by skirting the ancient city walls and crossing the 18th century Viadotto bridge.
From this point you can see the other rock environments on the Gravina including the Grotta delle Sette Camere (Cave of the Seven Rooms).
Viadotto Bridge
It is a double-arched bridge which was erected in 1778 to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna della Stella. It was also used as an aqueduct to supply the city with water. Even today, it connects the two banks of the Gravina stream and is considered as the symbol of the city.