Romualdo Museum (Crypt of Monopoli Co-Cathedral) - history and what to see
The Romualdo Crypt Museum is located under the Cathedral of Maria SS. della Madia, in the heart of Monopoli's historic centre. The museum layout is the result of the restoration of the underground rooms and proposes an exhibition itinerary that allows visitors to visit the finds directly in the places where they were brought to light, reconstructing the historical stratifications of the city.
Brief history in a nutshell
The crypt can be traced back to the Romanesque cathedral erected by Bishop Romuald in the 12th century; excavations have uncovered the remains of the Romanesque crypt and structural parts incorporated into the foundations of the 18th-century church.
Archaeological excavations document a sacred and residential use of the area spanning more than 2,400 years: levels and tombs dating back to the Bronze Age, the Messapian period, the Hellenistic-Roman period and the Early Christian period have emerged under the Romanesque crypt.
Significant finds include an infant grave dated to the 3rd century A.D. and a series of pit graves from the early medieval period, showing the long continuity of use of the site.
What to see - highlights of the visit
The Romanesque crypt: architectural remains of the mediaeval cathedral - low naves, stone structures, portions of the original walls and arches - which allow the overlapping of the eras to be seen “live”.
In situ archaeological finds: ceramics, votive fragments, utensils and parts of grave goods from excavations conducted under the cathedral and in other churches in the historic centre (S. Maria Amalfitana, S. Pietro). Many artefacts are displayed in the same room where they were found, which is excellent for understanding stratigraphy and context.
Stone elements and sculptures: capitals, friezes and reliefs testifying to the different construction phases and artistic taste of the interventions over the centuries. Habia Apulia
The 17th-century “bell tower wall” incorporated into the foundations of the 18th-century basilica - interesting for those studying local architectural transformations.
Practical advice for tourists
Duration of visit: 30-60 minutes for the archaeological part; if combined with a visit to the Cathedral and the city centre historian of Monopoli, expect 1.5-2 hours.
Guides and tours: the site is small and the narration of a local guide greatly enriches the experience; guided tours (also in foreign languages) are available through local associations. Many visitors report that the guide's explanation brings out details that would otherwise be missed.
Opening hours and tickets: opening hours may vary seasonally and on weekdays; check the updated calendar on the Monopoli City Council website or on the museum's official pages before going. The museum generally opens on specific days of the week (see public notices).
Accessibility: being largely an underground site with stairs and low rooms, assess mobility if you have mobility difficulties; enquire in advance about alternative access.
Why it is worth putting it on the itinerary
The Romualdo Museum offers a unique stratigraphic interpretation of the historical centre of MonopolyVisiting it, one goes from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages in just a few steps, seeing artefacts in the same place where they were found. It is an ideal stop for those who love urban archaeology and want to understand the long history of occupation of the site.