Overview
The many wonders that Puglia, and particularly Salento, has to offer its visitors include the remains of the Temple of Minerva in the Castro archaeological area, which has been undergoing excavation for more than a decade. According to legend, it was the territory of Castro, once known as Castrum Minervae, that welcomed Aeneas after his escape from the city of Troy.
Over the years, excavations at the Capanne site have brought to light important parts of the temple dedicated to the cult of the goddess Minerva dating back to the 4th century BC, such as the ceiling, a small bronze statue of Athena Iliaca, the monumental altar and the bust of the large statue of Minerva, which, according to scholars, was at least 3 metres high.
The area is still undergoing important excavations, but those who wish to discover what has already been unearthed can visit Castro Castle, home of the Antonio Lazzari Archaeological Museum.
73030 Castro LE, Italia
