Best attractions and places to see around Fiume Ofanto Natural Park include a rich tapestry of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural sites in Italy's Apulia region. The park is centered around the Ofanto River, offering diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore ancient archaeological sites, Roman structures, and significant cultural heritage. The region encourages slow tourism, providing opportunities to engage with its natural panorama and historical depth.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
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The old Roman bridge was probably built in the 1st or 2nd century and was an important section of the Via Traiana over the Ofanto river. After renovations, particularly after an earthquake in the 18th century, not much of the original structure can be seen anymore. Today, 5 arches span the river and secure the path for pilgrims on the Via Francigena nel Sud.
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On the Via Traiana between Cerignola and Canosa di Puglia is a Roman mausoleum from the 2nd century AD. The Torre Casieri marks the ancient entrance to Canusium and consists of a rectangular burial chamber with a barrel vault and two semicircular niches.
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The site of Canne della Battaglia is mainly remembered for the decisive battle of 216 BC, fought between the Romans and Carthaginians during the Second Punic War. The hilly reliefs overlooking the Ofanto valley have been inhabited since the Neolithic period and continuously until the 3rd century BC, most likely in conjunction with the epic clash that disrupted the settlement patterns of the entire area. In Roman times, it is recalled in the sources as the emporium of Canusium, in whose shadow it lived until the latter's abandonment in the second half of the 9th century. From this moment, Canne began its most important historical phase, linked to the stabilization of Byzantine power in Puglia. Thanks to its strategic position, the Cannese village, likely built on a pre-existing Roman structure and known today as the 'Cittadella', was re-occupied from the late antique period and consolidated in the following centuries, around two main centers, the basilicas and the castle, also thanks to the establishment of a diocese, led, in the early 12th century, by Ruggero, the current patron saint of Barletta. The antiquarium annexed to the archaeological park was created in the late 1950s for the valorization and conservation of artifacts from excavations conducted in the area, starting from the Ventennio, a period of frenetic exaltation of Roman grandeur. Today's exhibition favors the narration of events related to the Second Punic War and the great battle that represented a trauma for the surrounding territory and for the indomitable Roman army. However, according to the current state of research, no archaeological documentation referring to the clash of 216 BC has yet been found, nor can the reconstruction of the landscape on these hills, as described by historical sources, particularly Livy and Polybius, be considered plausible. Rather, the site of Canne, in addition to being located in an area of great landscape and natural value, constitutes, to this day, one of the most interesting examples of abandoned medieval settlements in Italy.
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216 BC. Museum, ruins of the old city built on the site of the Carthaginian camp. Entrance to the museum is 6 euros. You can lock your bike nearby.
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Remains of a two-story Roman mausoleum, from the 2nd century AD, located on the route of the Via Traiana
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Impressive archaeological site, great history. Unfortunately I didn't read it carefully, unfortunately closed today.
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The Antiquarium, located at the foot of the fortified citadel and the Archaeological Park, with the remains of the ancient Daunian settlement and the structures from the Roman, early Christian and medieval eras, today offer visitors a complex and fascinating itinerary.
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The region is rich in history. You can visit the Archaeological Site of Cannae, famous for the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC. Other significant sites include the Mausoleo Bagnoli, a 3rd-century AD temple tomb, and the Roman Bridge over the Ofanto River, an impressive example of ancient architecture. The Pylons of the Salt Cableway of Margherita di Savoia also offer a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
The park is centered around the Ofanto River, offering diverse landscapes including geological formations, olive groves, and fruit orchards. You can find trekking paths along the hills and river, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife like otters, toads, and various bird species. The nearby Adriatic coastline also features sandy beaches.
Yes, the park offers numerous paths for hiking and Nordic walking. You can find trails that immerse you in the natural panorama and allow for wildlife observation. For specific routes, explore the Hiking around Fiume Ofanto Natural Park guide, which includes options like the moderate 'San Ruggiero Fountain – Archaeological Site of Cannae loop'.
Absolutely. The park features the 150 km Ofanto Cycle Route, offering a quiet experience through archaeological and natural treasures. You can find various cycling routes in the Cycling around Fiume Ofanto Natural Park guide, including the 'Ofanto River Cycleway: Canosa di Puglia Loop'.
The park encourages 'slow tourism,' making it enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for enjoying the nearby Adriatic coastline, while December is notable for guided tours of the restored fish farming plant during the eel and grey mullet fishing season.
Families can enjoy exploring the diverse landscapes through easy walks and cycling paths. The restored fish farming plant offers guided tours, which can be an educational experience, especially during the December fishing season. The sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast are also a great option for family outings.
Beyond ancient ruins, you can explore the Abbey of Goleto, a significant monastic citadel founded in 1133. The Masseria Parasacco, a historic farmhouse with ties to Frederick II of Swabia and the Templars, also offers a rich cultural experience. Nearby Barletta features the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral and the impressive bronze Colossus of Barletta.
Visitors often highlight the rich history and impressive archaeological remains, particularly at the Archaeological Site of Cannae. The unique architecture of the Roman Bridge over the Ofanto River and the historical significance of sites like the Mausoleo Bagnoli are also frequently praised.
Yes, the area includes important religious buildings such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Ripalta near Cerignola and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Bosco di Montemilone, located near the border with Basilicata.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, with the otter being a symbolic species of the Ofanto River. Visitors may also spot various bird species, including woodpeckers, and amphibians like toads along the riverbanks and trekking paths.
Yes, road cyclists can find several routes in the vicinity. The Road Cycling Routes around Fiume Ofanto Natural Park guide includes routes like the 'Margherita di Savoia Saltworks – Margherita di Savoia loop' and the 'Minervino Murge – Roman Bridge over the Ofanto River loop'.
The Ofanto River is central to the park's identity and natural appeal. It provides excellent opportunities for various outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, and sport fishing. Its course shapes the diverse landscapes and supports the local ecosystem.


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