Egnazia
Roman Site in Bari
The ancient city of Gnatia, Egnatia or Ignati, is located southeast of Bari, traces its origins back to the 13th century BC when Bronze Age peoples first settled there. Like other villages along the Adriatic shore, Egnazia was vulnerable to numerous invasions from the east until it ultimately became a Roman city at the close of the third century BC. Visitors should begin their exploration at the excellent museum, which provides an overview of the city’s history. While the text is in Italian, the historical sequence is clear, and the exhibits, including materials found in excavations, vividly bring the site to life.
The archaeological area of Egnazia, with signage also in English, is divided into three parts: the city, necropolis, and acropolis. The walls built by the original settlers are still standing, along with remnants of ancient Greek and later Roman civilizations.
During the Roman period, Egnazia flourished as a significant port on the Traiana Road, which linked Rome to Brindisi. However, the city was finally abandoned in the 10th century after successive sackings by the Visigoths, Saracens, and Turks. From the Roman era, visitors can still see parts of the Traiana Road, an amphitheater, a forum, and two Christian basilicas, all of which testify to the city’s historical importance.
The Egnazia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bari!
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Visiting Egnazia
Summer: 8:30am – 7:30pm
Winter: 8:30am – 4:30pm
€3
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