Egnazia archaeological park

Egnazia was a port city whose importance grew with the Via Traiana. According to the Ministry of Culture it became Messapian towards the end of the 6th century BC; mighty defensive walls and necropolises with chamber tombs survive. From the 3rd century BC Rome was present, and in the 1st century BC the town received municipal status. The Roman remains include the Via Traiana, the civil basilica with the Hall of the Three Graces, a square with colonnades, a cryptoporticus and baths.

Early Christian buildings from the 4th to 6th centuries include the episcopal basilica with its baptistery. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale “Giuseppe Andreassi” presents finds in seven sections, from the 16th century BC to the 13th century AD. Allow two to three hours for the park and museum, and check opening times beforehand.