THE DISCOVERIES: A Journey Through Time and Culture

Castro, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy located in the heart of Salento, is a gem not only for its enchanting landscape and crystal-clear sea but also for its rich archaeological heritage. The archaeological excavations in the city have unearthed invaluable treasures, helping to establish Castro as a center of great historical and cultural importance.

Excavation Areas: Palombara and Capanne

The excavations in Castro focus on two main locations of significant archaeological, artistic, and cultural interest:

Palombara: This site investigates Castro from the Bronze Age, offering valuable insights into the first communities that inhabited this region.

Capanne: Located in the historic center, this area, which until the last century was one of the most degraded, is now the focus of thorough studies. In 2000, during the expansion of the sewer network, remains of Messapian walls and an important sanctuary complex dedicated to the goddess Minerva were discovered.

Extraordinary Discoveries

The excavations at Capanne have brought to light invaluable artifacts, attracting international media attention and confirming Castro's importance in the cultural landscape:

2015: The Headless Bust of the Goddess Minerva

In 2015, the archaeological excavations in Castro uncovered a sensational discovery: the headless bust of the goddess Minerva. This statue, dating back to the second half of the 4th century BC, represents a significant testimony of ancient art and religiosity. The discovery was preceded by the finding of a bronze statuette depicting Athena of Troy with a Phrygian helmet, a mythological figure representing wisdom and war. These findings have deepened the understanding of the cult of Minerva in Castro and the significant role the city played in antiquity.

2017: The Monumental Altar

In 2017, archaeologists discovered a monumental altar, contemporary to the cult statue, which is unique in Puglia and closely resembles the altars of Greek temples. This altar, attributed to the temple of Minerva, was used for animal sacrifices in honor of the goddess, as evidenced by the discovery of numerous animal bones. The discovery of the altar has provided a window into the religious practice of the time, revealing sacrificial rituals that were central to the cult of Minerva.

2022: The Lower Portion of the Minerva Statue

In 2022, the lower portion of the Minerva statue was found, a discovery that completed the colossal portrait of the goddess. This piece, along with the previously discovered bust, revealed a statue nearly three meters tall, an extraordinary work of art that immediately attracted the attention of scholars and visitors from around the world. The restored statue represents a unique example in the context of Magna Graecia, adding another precious piece to the rich archaeological history of Castro.

These discoveries not only enrich the historical and cultural understanding of Castro but also confirm the city's importance in the ancient world. Each finding helps to paint a more complete picture of Castro's glorious past, highlighting its centrality in the religious and artistic context of the ancient Mediterranean.

An International Twinning and European Recognition

In 2018, Castro signed a twinning agreement with Edremit (Turkey) following the footsteps of the Aeneid. This bond was further strengthened when, in 2021, the Council of Europe recognized the "Route of Aeneas" as the 45th European Cultural Route, including Castro as a stop on the legendary journey of the Trojan hero.

A Museum of Archaeological Treasures

Thanks to private funding, in March 2023, a nearly three-meter-tall colossal statue, a unique piece in all of Magna Graecia, was restored and displayed, immediately attracting visitors from around the world. The artifacts unearthed during the excavations are partly preserved in the Museum inside the Castro Castle, visited by thousands of people each year.

A Collaboration of Excellence

The archaeological excavations in Castro continue to reveal surprises thanks to the joint work of archaeologists, workers, and scholars under the direction of Francesco D'Andria, Professor Emeritus of the University of Salento and member of the Accademia dei Lincei. Alessandro Rizzo, Emanuele Ciullo, Donato Merico, and Luigi Bene, coordinated by Dr. Amedeo Galati, are the protagonists of this fascinating archaeological adventure.

Castro, with its combination of natural beauty, millennial history, and authenticity, continues to enchant and fascinate visitors from all over the world. Each excavation, each discovery enriches the narrative of this extraordinary place, making Castro an unmissable destination for history, culture, and archaeology enthusiasts.