Canosa di Puglia (from Latin Canusium) is part of the new Barletta-Andria-Trani province between the plateau of Murgia and the plains of Tavoliere delle Puglie. According to legend, Canosa was founded by the Homeric hero Diomedes and was one of the main cities of Puglia. It has been inhabited since the Neolithic, but its most important settlements date back to the Dauni civilization. The path of the Dauni through the Canosae is extremely rich and fascinating. It is where the “hypogea” originate, the old, aristocratic crypts where ancient vases and gold objects have been found, tombs with riches belonging to the Dauni Princeps, arms currently on display at the Palazzo Sinesi and the Palazzo Illecito. The tombs are the subject of a major research project to understand the development of the Dauni civilization. The latest marvel found was the Tomba degli Ori in 1991. Under the guidance of the Princeps, Canosa became a Roman Municipium and, from an economic perspective, it was the site of wool producing industries. Under the leadership of Emperor Traianus, Via Traiana (which connects Rome and the Orient) and the Ponte Romano were constructed. During the Paleochristian period the city was one of the most prestigious Dioceses of Puglia. Canosa has an ancient archaeological history, frozen in time at the end of the Roman Empire. One of the most evocative places in the region is without a doubt the San Leucio Archaeological Park, located on the hill of the same name southeast of the city, completely surrounded by olive groves. To visit: Palazzo Sinesi, Museo Civico (Municipal Museum), Palazzo Ilecito, Museo delle Marionette (Marionette Museum), Hypogeum of Cerberus, Ponte Romano (Romano Bridge), Arco Traiano (Trajan’s Arch) and the Basilica of San Leucio.
Tourist Office
Via Puglia,12
+39 0883/610340-343-344-342
iat@comune.canosa.bt.it
Canosa Archaeological Foundation
Via Kennedy, 18
+39 0883/664043 +39 333/8856300
http://www.canusium.it
Pro Loco - Tourist Office
Via Trieste e Trento, 20
Tel/ fax +39 0883/888028
http://www.prolococanosa.it
Tourist Office
+39 0883/611176
Town Police
+39 0883/661014
