Archaeological Museum of the Messapian Civilization of Vaste, Poggiardo

The Archaeological Museum of the Messapian Civilization offers along its exhibition route a succession of testimonies that lead the observer along a fascinating itinerary, through which one can relive the period when Messapian Vaste reached its peak development, starting from the mid-4th century BC, through the rich quantity of artifacts discovered. Visitors can observe the lavish tomb sarcophagus furnishings, beautiful kraters, basins, strigils, as well as the typical “trozzelle” with geometric or floral decorations from female burials. Numerous architectural elements are also present, among which a rosette-decorated capital, part of a funerary column, stands out for its importance. The museum is organized chronologically: from archaic and Hellenistic places of worship, reconstructed in the first rooms, up to the medieval period. Precious items include the “treasure” consisting of 150 finely minted silver staters and the 17 ivory “tesserae lussoriae,” a rare Roman-era gaming instrument.

An accurate virtual reconstruction, projected on a large screen, offers visitors an authentic immersion back in time, making the visit to this gem of Apulian archaeology unforgettable.