Colossus of Barletta, Bronze statue near Santo Sepolcro Basilica, Barletta, Italy
The Colossus of Barletta is a bronze figure of a Roman emperor standing over four meters tall in front of Santo Sepolcro Basilica. The figure wears military clothing, a gemmed headband, and holds a cross in its left hand.
The sculpture was created in the 5th century, likely marking the thirtieth anniversary of Emperor Theodosius II's reign in 439. Venetian merchants probably brought it to Barletta during the Middle Ages, where it has stood in front of the basilica ever since.
The figure goes by the name Eraclio among residents, who have woven it into local stories and traditions over the centuries. The square in front of the basilica serves as a meeting point where the sculpture accompanies daily life in the town.
The figure stands openly on the square to the left of the basilica and is accessible at all times. Visitors can view and photograph it from all sides without paying admission.
An examination of the metal revealed no iodine in the bronze, disproving the legend that the figure was recovered from the sea. Instead, the composition suggests it was cast in the eastern Mediterranean.
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