Canosa di Puglia is a town in the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani placed just between the Murgia and the Tavoliere. Thanks to its numerous archaeological findings and its important historical landmarks, the city is considered a city of art, as well as one of the major archaeological sites in the region.
According to legend, the city was originally founded by the Homeric Diomedes. The most important commercial center of ancient Daunia, Canosa was also inhabited by the Normans, in particular raising the attention of Federico II.
Canosa di Puglia is now a thriving town, the economy mainly tied to agriculture and livestock. Particularly successful are the crops of oats, vines and olive trees: excellent local product used to produce bread, wine and oil known throughout the world. Of particular interest are the production of figs, prickly pears, almonds, peaches and cherries.
What to see
Canosa di Puglia, with its numerous archaeological and historical discoveries is considered an artistic city. Among the best examples of architecture and religious art,we must quote the first Cathedral of S. Sabino built in the age of the Lombards, between the seventh and eighth century. The Basilica has the shape of a Latin cross and is covered by five low domes, built in a clear Romanesque-Byzantine style. After the earthquake that struck the city in 1951, the Basilica was restored and, subsequently, increased.
Furthermore, among the leading examples of religious art and architecture, is the Mausoleum of Bohemond, built after 1111, furnished inside with tall columns and on the floor, a greek marble slab bearing the inscription BOAMVNDVS.
Among the main examples of civil architecture and art, besides the many eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings, of great importance is the historic Teatro d’Ambra, whose construction was commissioned in 1923 by Raffaele Lembo, a wealthy grain merchant of the place.
Many farms scattered throughout the municipal area, originally large peasant farms, generally with double-pitch roofs and windows almost non-existent.
Particularly striking and very airy is the Villa Comunale (the City Park), a real green lung in the middle of Canosa. The Villa cherishes a monument dedicated to Scipio Africanus, an altar commemorating the War Victims and a lapidarium, a real treasure of archaeological lapideidi remains dating back to the Dauna and Roman period: inscriptions, funerary reliefs, capitals and columns, lintels, and true wells of the imperial villas.
Among the many archaeological sites,the Castellot is worth mentioning , an acropolis of ancient Canosa.
Below the surface of the city, there are many underground hypogeum (among the most important the hypogeum of Cerbero, Lagrasta, and Boccaforno and dell'Oplita), originally used most probably by the dauni as pagan tombs, where real funerals took place. Of great archeological interest is the necropolis of Santa Sofia, placed very close to the inhabited area on clayey area.
Other sites of particular interest are: the the early Christian Basilica of S.Leucio, the pagan temple probably dedicated to the goddess Minerva; the Basilica of St. Peter, the first Christian cathedral of the city; the Baptistery of San Giovanni; the Roman temple of Giove Toro placed near the ancient baths, near the city center.
Events
• February 9 - liturgical rites and celebrations to commemorate the death of San Sabino
• Tuesday March 1st - Pilgrimage to the Santuario della Madonna di Costantinopoli
• Easter - Rites and evocative re-enactments of the Passion of Christ
• 1 / 2 August - Festival in honor of San Sabino, Madonna della Fonte e Sant’Alfonso Maria De 'Liguori
• 1st week of August - Festival of the Red Wine
• 2nd Sunday of August - Festival of the peaches
• December – Feast of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Christmas - Living Nativity