Dolmens

A Dolmen is an ancient megalithic monument, a central feature of the funeral architecture of the pre-classical era.

They are megalithic constructions with an entrance, or dromos, and a cell made of large blocks of stones. So far the purpose of the dolmen is not completely understood, although they are generally considered places of some worship.

They were probably built in a period of economic welfare when there was a complex and organized hierarchical society.

The most important is in the Chianca locality, on the road to Corato. Another one known as Tavola dei Paladini, lies in the neighbourhood of Cimadomo. Two more stand along the road connecting Bisceglie to Ruvo. One of these, which once must have been very imposing, can be found near a farm called masseria Frisari and the other one, known as Albarosa, is a kind of dolmen-barrow, a megalithic grave.

To learn more about the prehistory of the area visit the Civic Archaeology Museum with its fine Melacologic collection and the numerous Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age objects found in the nearby sites.