Il Museo Civico “Ugo Granafei” was established in 1935 with a private donation from the Granafei family, which was part of the eponymous People’s Library. It was later enriched by materials from other donations, accidental findings, and excavation campaigns that since the 1970s have brought to light important extra-urban sites such as Muro Maurizio, Malvindi, and Muro Tenente. Initially set up at the Municipal Palace, the museum has been located since 1999 in a ground floor wing of the Norman-Swabian castle at the premises of the eponymous “Ugo Granafei” library. The Castle presumably existed during the Byzantine period (11th century) but the construction of a Castrum Medianum is only attested in 1062, the year of the Norman invasion. In 1195 the castrum of Mesagne was donated to the Teutonic Knights. In the 16th century, the oldest part of the castle, which was dilapidated, was demolished and replaced by the still existing tower, which preserves part of the defensive works and is equipped with a drawbridge. The remaining core of the castle is more recent. After a dark period and almost total abandonment, it was purchased in 1973 by the Municipal Administration and following extensive restoration work, it has once again become a center of tourist and cultural attraction.
Information about the Ugo Granafei Museum of the Mesagne territory
Via Castello, 5
72023 Mesagne (Brindisi)
0831776065 Mrs. Emanuela Micaletto
cultura@comune.mesagne.br.it
https://www.comune.mesagne.br.it
Source: MIBACT
