A few kilometers from Barletta, the Cannae della Battaglia Archaeological Park takes you to the site of the historic clash between Romans and Carthaginians in 216 BC. Here, among the hills overlooking the Ofanto valley, you can explore a site that tells millennia of history, from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. The Antiquarium offers an immersive experience with artifacts and interactive technologies.
– Multimedia Antiquarium: artifacts and 3D videos of the battle
– Medieval Citadel: Norman castle and basilicas
– Daunian Village and Necropolis: traces of the pre-Roman settlement
– Practical Information: hours (Wednesday-Saturday) and tickets (€6)
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17/10/2025 - 02/05/2026
The archaeological park of Cannae della Battaglia, in Barletta, preserves the remains of the ancient city and the famous battlefield of 216 BC. Visit the Antiquarium, medieval citadel, and Daunian village among artifacts and multimedia reconstructions.
- Decumanus Maximus, Andria (BT)
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Good to know
Evocative Introduction
Imagine standing on a hill overlooking the Ofanto Valley, surrounded by olive trees and a silence broken only by the wind. Here, on August 2, 216 BC, Hannibal laid the perfect trap and annihilated the Roman army. Today, the Cannae Battlefield Archaeological Park preserves the ruins of the ancient city and the memory of that epic day. Stepping inside means taking a leap back in time, among Cyclopean walls, Paleochristian basilicas, and a museum that brings history to life with 3D videos. A place that captivates you with its atmosphere suspended between nature and memory.
Evocative Introduction
Imagine standing on a hill overlooking the Ofanto Valley, surrounded by olive trees and a silence broken only by the wind. Here, on August 2, 216 BC, Hannibal laid the perfect trap and annihilated the Roman army. Today, the Cannae Battlefield Archaeological Park preserves the ruins of the ancient city and the memory of that epic day. Stepping inside means taking a leap back in time, among Cyclopean walls, Paleochristian basilicas, and a museum that brings history to life with 3D videos. A place that captivates you with its atmosphere suspended between nature and memory.
Historical Notes
The history of Cannae begins in the 5th millennium BC, with the first Neolithic settlements. But it is in 216 BC that the name enters legend: Hannibal, with 40,000 men, defeats 80,000 Romans thanks to a pincer movement. The Daunian city flourished between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC, then was destroyed by the battle. In medieval times, the hill became a bishopric and was fortified with a Norman castle. In 1083 Robert Guiscard conquered it, and in 1303 it passed to Barletta. The site was abandoned in the Late Middle Ages. A timeline to orient yourself:
Historical Notes
The history of Cannae begins in the 5th millennium BC, with the first Neolithic settlements. But it is in 216 BC that the name enters legend: Hannibal, with 40,000 men, defeats 80,000 Romans thanks to a pincer movement. The Daunian city flourished between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC, then was destroyed by the battle. In medieval times, the hill became a bishopric and was fortified with a Norman castle. In 1083 Robert Guiscard conquered it, and in 1303 it passed to Barletta. The site was abandoned in the Late Middle Ages. A timeline to orient yourself:
- 5th millennium BC – First Neolithic settlements
- 6th-3rd centuries BC – Flourishing of the Daunian settlement
- August 2, 216 BC – Battle of Cannae
- 872 AD – Episcopal seat after destruction of Canosa
- 1083 – Norman conquest by Robert Guiscard
- 1303 – Annexation to Barletta
- 14th century – Abandonment of the site
- 5th millennium BC – First Neolithic settlements
- 6th-3rd centuries BC – Flourishing of the Daunian settlement
- August 2, 216 BC – Battle of Cannae
- 872 AD – Episcopal seat after destruction of Canosa
- 1083 – Norman conquest by Robert Guiscard
- 1303 – Annexation to Barletta
- 14th century – Abandonment of the site
The Antiquarium: History and Technology
Before entering the park, stop at the Antiquarium. Built in 1958 and renovated in 2017, this small gem tells the story of the site from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Six chronological sections guide you through finds such as the Neolithic Mother Goddess statuette and the askòs with female faces. The highlight is the multimedia room: a video reconstructs the battle in 3D, with interactive lecterns on Hannibal and his moves. Perfect for understanding what really happened. When you leave, you look at the hill and see history with new eyes.
The Antiquarium: History and Technology
Before entering the park, stop at the Antiquarium. Built in 1958 and renovated in 2017, this small gem tells the story of the site from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Six chronological sections guide you through finds such as the Neolithic Mother Goddess statuette and the askòs with female faces. The highlight is the multimedia room: a video reconstructs the battle in 3D, with interactive lecterns on Hannibal and his moves. Perfect for understanding what really happened. When you leave, you look at the hill and see history with new eyes.
The Citadel and the Paths of the Past
From the Antiquarium, climb up to the medieval citadel. Follow the ancient road, flanked by walls that mix 5th century BC blocks and medieval masonry. At the top, the remains of the Norman castle and two basilicas: the larger one, with a three-nave crypt, and the smaller one, with a cemetery area. From here, the view over the Ofanto valley is breathtaking. Further on, a path leads to the Daunian village, with rock-cut tombs and a menhir three meters high. Unfortunately, the second itinerary (paleochristian basilica and kiln) is closed, but the walk this far is already worth the trip.
The Citadel and the Paths of the Past
From the Antiquarium, climb up to the medieval citadel. Follow the ancient road, flanked by walls that mix 5th century BC blocks and medieval masonry. At the top, the remains of the Norman castle and two basilicas: the larger one, with a three-nave crypt, and the smaller one, with a cemetery area. From here, the view over the Ofanto valley is breathtaking. Further on, a path leads to the Daunian village, with rock-cut tombs and a menhir three meters high. Unfortunately, the second itinerary (paleochristian basilica and kiln) is closed, but the walk this far is already worth the trip.
Why Visit
Three good reasons not to miss it. 1. It’s the most famous battlefield of antiquity: walking where Hannibal defeated Rome makes you feel part of history. 2. The Antiquarium is surprisingly modern: the 3D video of the battle is spectacular and interactive. 3. The tranquility of the place: unlike other crowded sites, here you’re often almost alone, among olive trees and ruins, and you can imagine the roar of the battle. Plus, the ticket is cheap and combinable with the Canosa museum.
Why Visit
Three good reasons not to miss it. 1. It’s the most famous battlefield of antiquity: walking where Hannibal defeated Rome makes you feel part of history. 2. The Antiquarium is surprisingly modern: the 3D video of the battle is spectacular and interactive. 3. The tranquility of the place: unlike other crowded sites, here you’re often almost alone, among olive trees and ruins, and you can imagine the roar of the battle. Plus, the ticket is cheap and combinable with the Canosa museum.
When to Go
If possible, choose late spring or early autumn. The temperatures are mild, the light is soft, and the lush vegetation makes the landscape perfect. Arrive early in the morning when the park opens: the low sun illuminates the citadel and the valley, and the air is fresh. Avoid the full summer sun, as the route is mostly outdoors and without shade. Always check the official hours, as they vary by season and there may be special Sunday openings.
When to Go
If possible, choose late spring or early autumn. The temperatures are mild, the light is soft, and the lush vegetation makes the landscape perfect. Arrive early in the morning when the park opens: the low sun illuminates the citadel and the valley, and the air is fresh. Avoid the full summer sun, as the route is mostly outdoors and without shade. Always check the official hours, as they vary by season and there may be special Sunday openings.
Nearby Attractions
Two must-see stops. Canosa di Puglia (15 minutes away) is home to the National Archaeological Museum, featuring Daunian and Roman artifacts: the cumulative ticket lets you visit it together with the park. Then Barletta, with its Swabian castle and the Colossus of Heraclius, a bronze statue from Roman times. If you love nature, the Ofanto Regional Nature Park offers trails along the river, perfect for a post-archaeology walk.
Nearby Attractions
Two must-see stops. Canosa di Puglia (15 minutes away) is home to the National Archaeological Museum, featuring Daunian and Roman artifacts: the cumulative ticket lets you visit it together with the park. Then Barletta, with its Swabian castle and the Colossus of Heraclius, a bronze statue from Roman times. If you love nature, the Ofanto Regional Nature Park offers trails along the river, perfect for a post-archaeology walk.
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💡 Did You Know…?
According to tradition, the remains of Saint Roger, bishop of Cannae, were kept in the site’s basilica. Walking among the ruins, you can still feel the echo of the battle: Hannibal’s pincer movement, which encircled the Romans, is visible here from the strategic hilltop.