Giuseppe Fiorelli Civic Museum

Located in the heart of Lucera, the Giuseppe Fiorelli Civic Museum (Museo civico Giuseppe Fiorelli) is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and cultural heritage. Housed within the stately Palazzo de Nicastri-Cavalli, an 18th-century noble residence, the museum offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing relics from the prehistoric era to the medieval period.

The History of the Giuseppe Fiorelli Civic Museum

The origins of the museum date back to the late 19th century when a modest public collection of antiquities was displayed in the ground floor rooms of Palazzo Mozzagrugno, home to the municipal library. In 1900, Girolamo Prignano, a local lawyer and senior assessor, proposed the creation of a dedicated antiquarium. Thanks to the support of the mayor and contributions from prominent Luceran families, the museum officially opened its doors on January 9, 1905.

In 1925, Giuseppe Cavalli, the then-mayor, honored his brother Eduardo's wish by donating part of the de Nicastri family's ancestral home to house the museum. Between 1934 and 1936, the museum was relocated to its current location and dedicated to the renowned archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli. After a decade-long renovation following the 2002 earthquake, the museum reopened in 2012, unveiling a completely revamped exhibition layout.

Exploring the Museum

Visitors enter the Giuseppe Fiorelli Civic Museum through the courtyard of Palazzo de Nicastri-Cavalli. The museum spans two levels, with the ticket office on the left and a grand central staircase leading to the first floor. The museum's 20 rooms are meticulously organized, each offering a unique glimpse into different historical periods.

Prehistoric and Pre-Roman Eras

The ground floor is dedicated to the prehistoric and pre-Roman eras. Here, visitors can marvel at flint weapons from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, many of which originate from the Gargano region. Bronze axes and intricately decorated pottery fragments from the Bronze Age attest to early settlements in Lucera. The collection also includes an array of pre-Roman ceramics, such as jugs, amphorae, and spindle whorls from the 5th to 3rd centuries BCE.

One of the standout exhibits is the replica of the so-called Lucera Cart, a bronze artifact discovered in 1800. This elaborate piece, featuring human and animal figures in a possible ritual scene, dates back to the 8th century BCE and was likely part of a funerary offering.

Classical Antiquity

The first floor houses the classical antiquity section, where the famed Stipe Votiva del Salvatore is displayed. This votive deposit, discovered on Belvedere Hill, dates from the late 4th to mid-2nd century BCE and is one of southern Italy's most significant finds. The collection includes terracotta ex-votos, animal figurines, and statues, reflecting the ancient community's religious practices and requests for healing and fertility.

Among the architectural terracottas, visitors will find antefixes, acroteria, and relief-decorated slabs from the 5th to 2nd centuries BCE. The epigraphic section, studied by the renowned historian Theodor Mommsen, features celebratory and funerary inscriptions spanning the Roman Republic to the late Imperial period.

Roman Sculpture and Mosaics

The museum's Roman sculpture collection includes limestone and marble portraits, statues, and architectural elements. Highlights include a column depicting mythical scenes, such as Thetis on a hippocamp and Scylla devouring Ulysses' companions, and a colossal bust of an emperor. The mosaic section is equally impressive, featuring a colorful floor mosaic with geometric patterns and marine motifs, discovered in Piazza Nocelli in 1899.

Paleochristian and Medieval Periods

The paleochristian section showcases mosaic fragments from a 5th-6th century basilica and artifacts from the San Giusto archaeological site, including a column, a tomb, and Byzantine coin weights. The medieval section, located on the first floor, offers an array of artifacts from the early to late Middle Ages. Visitors can explore rooms adorned with period furniture, such as the Cavalli drawing room, the kitchen, the Figliola room, and a chapel, providing a glimpse into the noble lifestyle of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Conclusion

The Giuseppe Fiorelli Civic Museum is more than just a repository of ancient artifacts; it is a testament to Lucera's rich and diverse history. Each room tells a story, from the earliest human settlements to the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the cultural evolution of the medieval period. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the museum offers a fascinating and educational experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region's heritage.