Museum of Preclassical Civilizations of Southern Murgia, Ostuni

The Museum of Preclassic Civilizations of Southern Murgia is a captivating archaeological museum that offers a journey through the rich history of the region. Initially founded to house archaeological discoveries primarily from the Ostuni countryside, the museum has expanded its collection over time to encompass artifacts from the broader southern Murge area.

Situated within the former Carmelite monastery of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi, along with the adjoining church of San Vito Martire, the museum opened its doors to the public on May 14, 1989. Since then, it has become a valuable repository of artifacts that shed light on the preclassical civilizations of the Southern Murgia.

One of the focal points of the museum's collection is the array of ceramics, ornaments, flints, stone tools, and other relics that span from the Paleolithic era to the Metal Age. These items offer a glimpse into the daily lives, craftsmanship, and cultural practices of the ancient inhabitants of this region.

Among the museum's most intriguing exhibits is the skeleton of a young woman who tragically died during childbirth. Through careful analysis, researchers have determined that she was approximately 20 years old at the time of her death and was carrying a developing fetus. Her burial site contained various grave goods, including bracelets made from pierced shells on her wrists, a headdress composed of around six hundred mixed Cyclope neritea shells dyed in red ocher, lithic tools, and the remains of animals.

Additionally, the museum boasts an exhibition on the Messapic and Greek inscriptions from the sanctuary of Agnano, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the linguistic and cultural influences that shaped the region's history.