The Song of the Desolate

Cities

19 Dicembre 2024

Canosa di Puglia, located in the heart of northern Apulia, is a must-visit destination for lovers of history, art, and culture. Known as the city of princes and bishops, Canosa offers a journey back in time thanks to its rich archaeological and historical heritage.

Canosa di Puglia boasts ancient origins, dating back to the Bronze Age. The city was an important center of the Daunian civilization, a pre-Roman people who left an indelible mark on the region, as evidenced by numerous hypogea and monumental tombs. During Roman times, Canosa, then known as Canusium, became a strategic hub along the Via Appia, connecting Rome to southern Italy.

The city reached its peak during the Roman Empire with the construction of amphitheaters, temples, and thermal baths, becoming a crossroads of commerce and culture. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Canosa experienced a period of decline but flourished again under Norman and Swabian rule, leaving behind masterpieces such as the Mausoleum of Bohemond. Today, Canosa’s glorious past lives on in its stones, churches, and monuments, making it a prime destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in history.

Begin your exploration at the Cathedral of San Sabino, a jewel of Apulian Romanesque architecture dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Nearby, the Mausoleum of Bohemond stands as a testament to the Norman era, evoking the epic stories of the Crusades.

Continue to the Archaeological Park of San Leucio, an ancient Roman religious complex that represents one of the finest examples of cultural syncretism between pagan and Christian worlds. Discover the fascinating hypogea, such as the Hypogeum of Cerberus and the Lagrasta Hypogeum, true masterpieces of Daunian funerary culture.

For a comprehensive overview of local history, visit the National Archaeological Museum of Canosa, which houses extraordinary artifacts, including decorated ceramics, sculptures, and gold objects. Each piece tells a story that connects the past with the present.

Don’t miss a stroll through the historic center, where you can admire the Clock Tower and uncover picturesque corners that reveal the daily life of this ancient city. For those seeking a spiritual experience, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Fonte, surrounded by greenery, is a place of peace and devotion.

This Apulian city is a crossroads of history, tradition, and natural beauty. It’s a perfect destination for anyone wishing to discover the authentic soul of Apulia. Plan your trip and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Canosa di Puglia.

To visit: Cathedral of San Sabino, Mausoleum of Bohemond, Archaeological Park of San Leucio, Daunian Hypogea (Hypogeum of Cerberus and Lagrasta Hypogeum), National Archaeological Museum of Canosa, Clock Tower, Sanctuary of Madonna della Fonte, Ancient Roman Baths, Roman Amphitheater (currently under restoration and enhancement).

San Leucio Archaeological Park, an important historical and naturalistic testimony of unique beauty

Friday of Passion

Procession of the Virgine Dolorosa

Holy Week in Canosa di Puglia begins with the suggestive Processione della Virgine Dolorosa, a ritual of intense drama and deep devotion. The statue of the Virgine Dolorosa, wrapped in a long and delicate black tulle, represents the sorrow of a mother witnessing her son's suffering. Before beginning the processional route, the statue pauses for a few minutes, surrounded by thousands of women dressed in black, with their faces covered, who chant the Miserere, creating an atmosphere full of emotion and spirituality. This moment, particularly significant to the Canosina community, marks the beginning of the Easter celebrations.

-Date: April 11, 2025

-Time: 17:30

-Location: Chiesa di San Sabino

Good Friday

Procession of the Mysteries

Good Friday in Canosa di Puglia is marked by a day of prayer and meditation that culminates in the solemn Processione dei Misteri, an ancient ritual that celebrates the Passion of Christ through wooden statues representing the most significant moments of His journey to Calvary. The statues, symbols of great artistic and spiritual value, depict: Jesus in the Garden of Olives, Jesus at the Column, Jesus carrying the Cross, La Veronica, and Il Calvario.

The procession winds through the streets of the town in a unique atmosphere, lit by torches and accompanied by the scent of incense spreading from the censers. At the center of the procession, the Sacred Reliquary of the Holy Wood is venerated with great devotion by the faithful. At the end, under a large canopy, the monstrance with the silver case holding the Holy Cross is displayed for the final veneration. The faithful pay homage with a kiss, thus closing this intense moment of faith.

-Date: April 18, 2025

-Time: 19:30

-Location: Chiesa del Carmine

Holy Saturday

Procession of the Desolata

Holy Saturday in Canosa di Puglia is marked by the suggestive Processione della Desolata, an ancient and deeply emotional ritual. The procession is opened by many children dressed as little angels, who carry the signs of Christ's Passion: crowns of thorns, ropes, whips, canes, pictures depicting the stations of the Vía Crucis, the chalice, and the dice.

Following is the statue of the Vergine Desolata, accompanied by posts decorated with flowers, while a group of girls dressed in black, with their faces covered, chant a particular version of the Stabat Mater by Jacopone da Todi, set to music by Antonio Lotti. This hymn, heartbreaking and powerful, evokes strong emotions in the participants, who experience a deep sense of sharing the Virgin's sorrow.

The Processione della Desolata is a moment of reflection and contemplation that involves the whole community and represents one of the most touching rituals of the Canosina Holy Week.

-Date: April 19, 2025

-Time: 9:00

-Location: Chiesa dei Santi Francesco e Biagio