ArcheoCanusium San Pietro
A sunset stroll through music and archaeology at the San Pietro excavations
About ArcheoCanusium
Archaeology and music at sunset in Canosa di Puglia
ArcheoCanusium San Pietro is an archaeological open day held at the San Pietro excavations, in the heart of ancient Canusium—modern-day Canosa di Puglia, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (Apulia). The initiative was created to open an active research site to the general public, transforming a summer evening into a sunset walk among artifacts, stories, and live music. It is promoted by the Fondazione Archeologica Canosina in collaboration with the Universities of Bari and Foggia.
A research site open to the city
The San Pietro excavations are led by university teams directed by Giovanni De Venuto and Giuliano Volpe (University of Bari) and Maria Turchiano (University of Foggia), with the involvement of the Inter-university School of Specialization in Archaeological Heritage and archaeology students. The excavation campaigns have brought to light a core of the pre-Roman settlement and a vast artisan quarter: the so-called "ceramic district" of Canusium, featuring massive deposits of amphorae, oil lamps, and vessels of various shapes, dating primarily to the age of Emperor Augustus.
What to expect during the evening
- Guided tour of the excavations with archaeologists to understand how a site is read in the field;
- Exhibition of the most significant artifacts from recent campaigns;
- Historical re-enactment with costumed performers to imagine daily life in ancient Canusium;
- Musical performance by the Puglia Philharmonic Orchestra set against the backdrop of the excavations at sunset.
A national recognition
The Fondazione Archeologica Canosina, which coordinates the initiative and the promotion of local heritage, has distinguished itself nationally for its commitment to archaeological outreach. ArcheoCanusium represents the model for this mission: scientific research that leaves the confines of the site to become a shared cultural experience, free and open to families, the curious, and enthusiasts alike.
Why you shouldn't miss it
In Canosa di Puglia, a city layered with millennia of Daunian, Roman, and Paleochristian history, ArcheoCanusium is the ideal opportunity to experience living archaeology firsthand. The combination of authentic excavations, live music, and the golden hour light makes the evening an event unlike a simple museum visit: here, history is still beneath the visitors' feet.
ArcheoCanusium — edition 2026
The third edition of ArcheoCanusium San Pietro concluded the new cycle of excavation campaigns launched in 2024. At sunset, the public explored the San Pietro site accompanied by archaeologists from the Universities of Bari and Foggia, discovering the massive ceramic deposits of the Roman artisan quarter: amphorae, oil lamps, and vessels dating primarily to the Augustan age. The evening combined scientific outreach, historical re-enactment, and musical performance, confirming ArcheoCanusium as one of the most original cultural events in the BAT province.
Programme ArcheoCanusium 2026
Thursday, July 2, 2026 — from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- 6:00 PM — Welcome and institutional greetings (Mayor, Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Superintendency, university representatives);
- Guided tour of the San Pietro excavations with the research team led by Giovanni De Venuto, Maria Turchiano, and Giuliano Volpe (Universities of Bari and Foggia);
- Presentation of the latest excavation results: the Roman ceramic district with amphorae, oil lamps, and vessels from the Augustan age;
- Display of artifacts and historical re-enactment by ceramic artist Sergio Rubini and theatrical costume expert Elena Di Ruvo, with the participation of archaeology students;
- Musical performance by the Puglia Philharmonic Orchestra set against the backdrop of the excavations at sunset.
Event supported by the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Puglia Promozione, Pro Loco di Canosa, and Italia Nostra.
Highlights ArcheoCanusium 2026
Prices ArcheoCanusium 2026
Practical information — ArcheoCanusium
Where
San Pietro excavations, Canosa di Puglia (BT). The site is within walking distance from Via Intra, a side street of Via Goldoni.
How to get there
By car: take the Canosa exit on the A14 motorway (Bologna-Taranto), then follow signs for the town center. By train: Canosa di Puglia station on the regional line, followed by a short trip to the archaeological area.
Hours and admission
The event takes place in the evening, at sunset. Admission is free. Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on archaeological terrain are recommended.
Information
Program and updates on the Fondazione Archeologica Canosina website: canusium.it.
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Where does it take place — ArcheoCanusium
Parco archeologico di San Pietro
Scavi di San Pietro, Via Intra (traversa di Via Goldoni), 76012 Canosa di Puglia