Egnazia, Puglia, Italy - Egnazia Ruins and Museum

The long history of Egnazia stretches back at least as far as the bronze age of the 16th century BC. from the coastal section of the acropolis it can be seen that much of the old port and town has been lost to the sea by noting what is left of the old defensive wall, perched precariously on the waters edge.

Much of what can be seen today is from the few hundred years before, during and after the Roman era. For those amongst us that watch the "Time Team" get excited over a couple of shards of pot and a post hole, this site will be heaven, with plenty still in the ground to see, much more still unexcavated (while I was there I had to move my car because it was interfering with the archaeologists using a magnetometer as they explored the field next to one of the parking areas) and a good selection of finds (pots, tools, skeletons, jewellery and more) in the Egnazia Museum that is at the entrance to the site.

Entrance costs are very reasonable at 3 euros (under 18's and over 65's free) for both the site and museum. During my visit (a Saturday in July) I saw more attendants than visitors and had virtually the whole site to myself, yet the coast, beaches, coves either side were busy with Italians enjoying the bathing. All in all an enjoyable afternoon, with the highlights for me, being the tombs and crypt.

The Egnazia site is just north of Savelletri on the SS 379 coast road. Arriving from Savelletri you will pass the site on both sides of the road, then take the next left and left again, it is signposted quite well. It is open from late March till the end of September, 8.30am until 7pm.

Egnazia Museum telephone number; (0039) 080 4829056

Click on the Egnazia photos to see a larger version.

Egnazia, Puglia, Italy - Details and photographs of the wonderful bronze age, Roman and post Roman ruins excavated so far of the ancient port town of Egnazia.