The story
Antico Forno Santa Caterina dal 1306 is a living monument to Altamura’s culinary history. As creator So Hungry Italy aptly noted, this institution is "a historic bakery that has been baking in a wood-fired oven" for more than 600 years. By maintaining these ancient methods, the bakery offers a rare, tangible connection to the past, ensuring that generations of craftsmanship remain alive in every loaf produced.
Visitors can expect an authentic window into regional traditions, ranging from the iconic Pane di Altamura to a vast selection of hand-made goods. The menu features diverse focaccia variations, including versions with sausage and turnip greens, alongside an array of biscuits, brioches, and sweet pastries. Whether you are sampling their signature wood-fired breads or exploring their savory pie doughs, the bakery remains a testament to the enduring dedication to craft that defines this historic space.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2024.
What diners say
Synthesized from 37 Google reviews · tap an aspect for the detail
Diners consistently praise the extraordinary quality of the bread and focaccia, often calling it the best they've ever had, and appreciate the historic, welcoming atmosphere of this ancient bakery. A small number of visitors feel the prices are high for the portions, but the overwhelming sentiment is one of delight and strong recommendation.
Bread and Focaccia Quality
The bread and focaccia are widely celebrated as exceptional, with many calling them the best in the world. The focaccia barese, in particular, is praised for its perfect crispy crust and soft interior, while the Altamura bread is noted for its traditional flavor and lasting freshness.
Historic Atmosphere
The ancient wood-fired oven and rustic setting create a unique, immersive experience that transports visitors to another time. Guests love watching the bakers at work and seeing local women making orecchiette, adding to the authentic charm.
Service and Hospitality
Staff are frequently described as kind, welcoming, and passionate about their craft. Many reviewers mention the warm reception and helpfulness of the team, which enhances the overall experience.
Value for Money
While most find the prices fair for the quality, a few diners consider the cost high relative to portion sizes. The majority, however, feel the products are worth the expense.
Pizza and Other Products
Beyond bread, the pizza receives high marks for being delicious and well-made. Sweets and other baked goods are also noted as special and homemade with care.
Overall Recommendation
An overwhelming number of reviewers strongly recommend a visit, calling it a must-stop in Altamura. Many express intentions to return or order again, citing the unforgettable quality and experience.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 12 dish mentions say about the food
The focaccia steals the show, earning raves for its perfectly crisp, airy texture. Overall, the vibe is one of rustic, timeless comfort that feels both ancient and deeply satisfying.
“I'm making this beautiful focaccia. Let's put these beautiful tomatoes on top, add a little oregano, a little salt, and olive oil. We make beautiful focaccias here. See this beautiful focaccia? Excellent. And it's authentic. You can eat everything, it's good for you. We let it rest a little, then put it in the oven.”
“I had the focaccia with salsiccia and rapa, and it was great. The bread is so flavorful, and the combination of sausage and turnip tops is perfect. I really respect their passion for Altamura bread and their commitment to tradition.”
“I had the focaccia with salsiccia and rapa, and it was fantastic. The bread is so light and airy, with a perfect crunch on the outside from the wood-fired oven. The sausage and rapini combination is classic and delicious. I really respect the passion and tradition behind this bread.”
What creators say
5 creators have covered Antico Forno Santa Caterina dal 1306. Most active: So Hungry Italy
Shorts 2
Videos 3
- So Hungry ItalyLoved
Inside a 600-Year-Old Italian Bakery That’s Still Alive with Tradition | Antico Forno Santa Caterina · @ 00:58
Antico Forno Santa Caterina is a historic bakery in Altamura, Italy, established in 1391, renowned for its traditional breads, focaccia, and pastries made by hand in ancient wood-fired ovens.
Dishes mentioned
Altamura bread
This is their legendary Altamura bread — to me, the best bread in Italy. They bake it from early morning, and it's not just bread; it's culture, history, and soul, still alive in every bite. I really enjoy it, and I'm so passionate about this job. The sourdough starter is fed every day with fresh water and flour, and the dough gets salt for elasticity. It's a living tradition.
Focaccia
I'm making this beautiful focaccia. Let's put these beautiful tomatoes on top, add a little oregano, a little salt, and olive oil. We make beautiful focaccias here. See this beautiful focaccia? Excellent. And it's authentic. You can eat everything, it's good for you. We let it rest a little, then put it in the oven.
Panzerotti
Panzerotti — Apulian fried pizza. I went to London four times to make panzerotti. They're a specialty here, and I've traveled through half of Italy to show how to make them. They're delicious and part of our tradition.
- Brioche
- Biscuits
- So Hungry ItalyLoved
More than 600 years! A historic bakery that has been baking in a wood-fired oven 🔥【Altamura, Italy】 · @ 02:34
Antico Forno Santa Caterina is a historic bakery in Altamura, Italy, famous for its traditional bread and focaccia baked in a wood-fired oven.
Dishes mentioned
Focaccia
I had the focaccia with salsiccia and rapa, and it was great. The bread is so flavorful, and the combination of sausage and turnip tops is perfect. I really respect their passion for Altamura bread and their commitment to tradition.
Pane di Altamura
The Altamura bread is great. It has a unique shape and is made with top quality semolina flour. They bake over 100 kg of it daily in a wood-fired oven that's been running since 1391. The crust is perfect, and the inside is soft and flavorful. I greatly respect their passion for this traditional bread.
- So Hungry ItalyLoved
More than 600 years! A historic bakery that has been baking in a wood-fired oven 🔥【Altamura, Italy】 · @ 2:34
Antico Forno Santa Caterina offers a unique glimpse into the rich bakery heritage of Altamura.
Dishes mentioned
Focaccia
I had the focaccia with salsiccia and rapa, and it was fantastic. The bread is so light and airy, with a perfect crunch on the outside from the wood-fired oven. The sausage and rapini combination is classic and delicious. I really respect the passion and tradition behind this bread.
Pane di Altamura
The Altamura bread is incredible. It has a unique shape and a dense, chewy crumb with a thick, crunchy crust. Made with top-quality semolina flour and baked in a wood-fired oven that's been kept hot for centuries, it's a true masterpiece. I greatly respect their commitment to preserving this traditional technique.
