Canosa was the most important city in ancient Puglia. Under Daunian, Greek, and then Roman rule, it accumulated a wealth of underground tombs (ipogei) with painted chambers, gold jewelry, and the extraordinary "askoi" — terracotta vessels in the shapes of mythological figures unique to Canosa. The Ipogeo Lagrasta (3rd century BC) has painted chambers with frescoes of the afterlife. The Cathedral houses the tomb of Bohemond I (Prince of Antioch, died 1111 in Canosa) — a Norman crusader buried in a Byzantine-style mausoleum with bronze doors. Above ground, the Romanesque cathedral has a 6th-century bishop's throne supported by elephants. Canosa has more archaeological material per square meter than almost any town in southern Italy, and yet tourist infrastructure barely exists. Puglia guide →
Plan my Puglia trip →Ipogeo Lagrasta: The most important painted tomb in Puglia. Multiple chambers with frescoed walls depicting banqueting scenes, mythological figures, and architectural decorations. Guided visits only — contact the Fondazione Archeologica Canusina (+39 0883 664716) to arrange. €5-8. Ipogeo degli Ori: Another painted tomb, named for the gold jewelry found inside (now in the Museo Nazionale di Taranto). Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Sabino): 11th-century Romanesque with a stunning bishop's throne (the "Cattedra dell'Abate Elia" — supported by carved elephants), early Christian mosaics in the floor, and the Mausoleum of Bohemond — bronze doors depicting a crusader. Museo Civico Archeologico: Daunian pottery including the famous askoi (polychrome vessels), gold jewelry, grave goods. €5.
Address: Canosa di Puglia, BAT province (between Bari and Foggia on the SS98). Getting there: Canosa-Minervino station (Bari-Foggia line), then taxi. By car: 1h from Bari, 40min from Foggia. Duration: half day. Archaeological visits: ipogei by appointment through Fondazione Archeologica Canusina. Combine with: Canne della Battaglia (10min — Hannibal's battlefield), Trani (30min), Castel del Monte (25min), Alta Murgia (30min).