Bisceglie, a picturesque town located on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, is famous not only for its historical and natural beauty, but also for an intriguing curiosity linked to its history. One of the most fascinating curiosities concerns the "Dolmen della Chianca," an ancient megalithic funerary monument dating back to the 2nd millennium BC.
The Chianca Dolmen is one of the best preserved in Italy and consists of large stone slabs arranged vertically and horizontally to form a burial chamber. This archaeological site not only testifies to the ancient history of human settlement in the area, but is also an important reference point for studies on Mediterranean prehistory. Furthermore, the discovery of the dolmen has helped strengthen the cultural identity of Bisceglie, making it a place of great interest for visitors and scholars from around the world.
What is a Dolmen?
A dolmen is a type of megalithic tomb, built with large stones. These funerary monuments date back to the Neolithic period (circa 4000-3000 BC) and are found throughout the world, but are particularly common in Europe. Dolmens were used as collective tombs and are among the earliest human-made architectural structures.
The Chianca Dolmen
The Chianca Dolmen takes its name from the local word "chianca," meaning "flat stone." This dolmen is located in the Bisceglie countryside, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, and dates back to the Bronze Age (circa 2000-1500 BC). It is one of the best-preserved dolmens in Italy.
Characteristics of the Chianca Dolmen
- Structure : It consists of three large vertical slabs that form a rectangular chamber. These slabs are topped by a large horizontal slab that serves as the roof.
- Dimensions : The burial chamber is approximately 2.10 meters long, 1.30 meters wide and 1.80 meters high.
- Function : It was used as a collective tomb. Human remains and funerary objects, such as ceramics and stone tools, were found inside, indicating the dolmen's use for ritual burials.
- Excavations : The dolmen was discovered in 1909 by a group of local archaeologists. Subsequent excavations revealed numerous artifacts that provided valuable information on the funerary practices of the time.
Cultural and Historical Importance
The Dolmen della Chianca is an archaeological site of great importance for several reasons:
- Archaeology : Offers a unique window into the life and funerary practices of the region's Neolithic communities.
- Tourism : It is a major tourist attraction for Bisceglie, attracting visitors interested in history and prehistory.
- Cultural Identity : It represents a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Puglia and Southern Italy.
Conservation
The site is protected and maintained to preserve its integrity and allow visitors to appreciate one of the region's oldest monuments. Local and regional initiatives promote awareness and appreciation of the Chianca Dolmen, making it an important landmark for the cultural identity of Bisceglie and Puglia.
The Dolmen della Chianca is therefore not only an archaeological monument, but also an important historical and cultural symbol that continues to fascinate scholars and visitors from around the world.
