THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS
Archeological Castro
The excavations of the city involve two localities, both of great archaeological, artistic and cultural interest: the "Palombara", where the Castro of the Bronze Age is being investigated and the "Capanne" area, where in 2000, following the works of expansion of the sewer network, remains of Messapian walls and an important sanctuary complex dedicated to the goddess Minerva have been found.
The "Capanne" area, located in the historic center, was, until the last century, the most degraded area of the country, while now it is a prestigious archaeological site, still the subject of studies, which has allowed us to ascertain the importance of Castro on the cultural scene, attracting the attention of the international press.
The discovery of the headless bust of the goddess Minerva dates to 2015, attributable to the second half of the 4th century, preceded by a couple of years by the discovery of a bronze statuette. Both depict the Athena of Troy, the one with the Phrygian helmet. In 2017, the monumental altar was then unearthed, contemporary with the cult statue, the only example ever found in Puglia and similar in all respects to the altars of Greek temples. The altar is attributable to the temple of Minerva and was placed in front of this, to perform animal sacrifices in honor of the Goddess. Here, in fact, dozens of animal bones have been found.
The discovery of numerous votive statuettes and the discovery of architectural elements brought to light on the excavation areas are further evidence of the presence of a Doric temple in the Hellenistic period.
But it does not end here: the archaeological excavations of Castro continue to surprise its visitors; the last in order of time is the defensive wall of the temple and the sacred city that embraced it. The archaeologists Alessandro Rizzo and Emanuele Ciullo, together with the workers Donato Merico and Luigi Bene, under the coordination of Dr. Amedeo Galati and the direction of Francesco D'Andria, professor emeritus of the University of Salento and member of the Accademia dei Lincei, digging in the bare earth, they brought to light part of the mighty wall that surrounded the ancient Messapian settlement.
A part of the artifacts are kept inside the Museum in the Castro Castle, visited by thousands of users every year.In 2018 Castro signed a twinning partnership with Edremit (Turkey) based on the Aeneid.
In 2021 the Council of Europe recognized the Route of Aeneas as the 45th European Cultural Route, including Castro as a step on the journey of the Trojan hero.
Then in 2022 another very important discovery: the section of Athena's statue below the bust.
Thanks to private funding, the colossal statue, almost 3 metres high, was restored and exhibited in March 2023. A unique piece in all of Magna Graecia that immediately attracted visitors from all over the world.The archaeological excavations in Castro keep holding countless surprises, such as the defensive wall of the temple and the sacred city surrounding it. Archaeologists Alessandro Rizzo and Emanuele Ciullo, together with the workers Donato Merico and Luigi Bene, under the coordination of Dr. Amedeo Galati and the direction of Francesco D'Andria, professor emeritus of the University of Salento and member of "Accademia dei Lincei", excavating in the bare earth, bring to light Mediterranean treasures enriching the history of the territory.
Some of the finds are preserved in the Museum inside the Castle of Castro, visited by thousands of visitors every year.
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