Things to do in Venosa Italy – what to see attractions and activities

The National Archaeological Museum of Venosa is dedicated to the ancient colony of Venusia and is housed in the basement of the Aragonese castle of the city. The exhibition area hosts exhibits related to Roman domination.

Work on the construction of the Abbey began in the twelfth century and were commissioned by the Benedictines, with the aim of allocating the structure as a place of worship. After the abandonment of the convent from the monks, the construction of the Abbey also stopped, so much so that it is still unfinished today. Currently, the exterior walls and the five columns are visible of the building, four of which are complete with a Corinthian capital.

The Balzo Castle was built in 1470 at the behest of Pirro del Balzo, on what was the ancient cathedral of Venosa. The story has it that Del Balzo had this castle built after a few clashes with Giovanni Antonio Orsini, uncle of his wife Maria Donata. In fact, the Venosini did not want to be commanded by another nobleman who was of origin different from those of the Orsini. The Castle was therefore born with a defensive function, later transforming itself, in the 17th century, into a noble residence.

The Catacombs of Venosa document the presence of the Jewish community between the 3rd and 7th centuries. The burials are adorned with iconographies and epigraphies that are part of the community and document their level of integration into local public life.