The Archaeological Park of Egnazia (source: Visual Puglia )
The archaeological park includes several finds of the ancient town of Gnathia, located in an excellent position on the sea and on the ancient road connecting Bari and Brindisi. The walls probably date back to the Messapian age. They wounded up in a semi-circle defending the town from the inland, while their extension along the coast was subsequent. Outside the walls, there was the necropolis known as the western one, of Messapian age, with tombs of different centuries and rites. Within the walls there were some pre-Roman tombs. Among the tomb sets found in the necropolis, the painted vases known as “Egnazia ceramic” have a particular importance. At the foot of the Acropolis, was a system of arcades overlooking a large irregular square (agora) and the monumental centre of the city subsequently built in the Roman age: the civil basilica, the Eastern gods’ sacellum, the so-called amphitheatre, the forum; the inhabited centre and the productive structures were on the other side of the Via Traiana, the main city street. The museum is outside the walls.
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In Brindisi province, stones and buildings tell the story of this land. Appia and Traiana roads once connecting the city to Rome left their traces on modern roads. In this city, where Virgil died, there are the remains of two II –century columns that marked the end of Appia road. The Norman – Swabian and Angevin marks also prevails in the inland area of province and former Messapi land, while it is even more evident in Mesagne, Oria and Ceglie Messàpica castles. In this area, natural landscape is characterized by ravines and caves shaped through centuries by the patient work of rivers. Rock witnesses of basilian monk civilizations can be found near Ostuni. Watch towers north of Brindisi tell the story of pirate and Saracen invasions, while the remains of ancient Egnazia Roman city can be seen in the respective archeological site.
Itria valley is characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand, These are cultivated in masserie lands, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations, rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques
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A proud, extremely loyal civilization, between the IX and VII centuries b.C. the Messapis built several settlements that were fortified with huge walls. Oria, with its characteristic castle, and Mesagne still keep witnesses that allow to reconstruct history, customs and habits of this ancient population
The coast of Brindisi area is characterized by small cities gathering around their historical centers, overlooking white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Brindisi is an example, with its huge castle emerging from the sea; Carovigno, dominated by Torre Guaceto and Ostuni, the white Mediterranean sea surrounded by olive trees and by a wonderful beach that hosts an unforgettable medieval center
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia