The cave church of San Donato is located in the ravine of San Donato, in the Selva di Fasano. The crypt, carved out of rock, consists of a single chamber whose walls are entirely covered by a layer of plaster.
The altar is topped by the image of San Donato between two angels. On August the 6th, the church hosts the traditional celebrations in honour of the saint.
The story
For now this text is only available in Italian.
La chiesa rupestre di San Donato si trova nella Gravina di San Donato, nella Selva di Fasano 2. È una cripta ad aula unica ricavata nella roccia, con pareti coperte da intonaco bianco e un'immagine affrescata del santo sull'altare 2,1. La scheda CartApulia ritiene che l'edificio fosse frequentato verosimilmente fin dall'alto Medioevo 1. Il 6 agosto vi si celebra una festa tradizionale dedicata al santo 2,3.
History
Alto Medioevo (VII-X secolo)
Secondo CartApulia l'edificio di culto dedicato a San Donato era frequentato verosimilmente fin da questa fase; la scheda indica tra i periodi di riferimento anche il Basso Medioevo, l'età moderna e l'età contemporanea.1
Architecture and works
Legends and traditions
Visiting
Further reading
- Chionna A., Gli insediamenti rupestri nel territorio di Fasano, 1975 1
Sources (3)
The story is written only from these sources: the numbers in the text refer here. Last updated: October 21, 2026.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Fauré: the French Brahms
A concert dedicated to Fauré and Brahms' influence on his music.
Evento a Martina Franca: Vincenzo Schettini – La fisica della musica 2…
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English Renaissance music in tribute to John Dowland
PIANO LAB 2026 - Piano Recital Pietro De Maria
Pianist Pietro De Maria at Politeama Verdi with Scarlatti, Clementi, Beethoven and Chopin.
Pallido il Sole a Bologna: Farinelli, Padre Martini, L’Accademia Filarmonica e Domenico Scarlatti
Baroque arias and sonatas in the heart of 18th-century Italy
More places nearby
- FunMunicipal PavilionIn the greenery of the Selva di Fasano is a 'meeting place that combines the beauty of the place, attractive events, a dash of glamour and fun. Fasano 1 km away
Churches and cryptsThe cave church of San Giovanni BattistaThe gorgeous fresco depicting St. John the Baptist lends the name to the
small cave church inside the Lama D’Antico Park, in the territory of
Fasano. Fasano 2 km away- FunPiazza della RepubblicaA safe and secure cottage adjacent to St. Antonio's Church in Fasano offers benches, coolness in the greenery and even free wi-fi network. Fasano 2.1 km away
Churches and cryptsMatrica ChurchIn the heart of the city, the austere mother church of Fasano has undergone
renovations and modifications up until the 20th century. Fasano 2.1 km away- Museums and theatresMuseo della casa alla fasaneseUnique traditional building organism built in tuff from the late 16th century. Fasano 2.2 km away
- Nature and gardensMemory ParkA green lung in the center of Fasano is a meeting place for young and old for moments of leisure and relaxation. Fasano 2.3 km away