Palazzo Simi, Archaeological museum in Old Town Bari, Italy
Palazzo Simi is an archaeological museum in Old Town Bari that houses finds from regional excavations across multiple floors. The collections include ancient coins, ceramics, and carved stones from dig sites throughout the area.
Palazzo Simi was built in the 16th century on imperial-era foundations, over a Byzantine church probably dedicated to S. Gregorio de Falconibus. From the late 17th century it belonged to the Simi de Burgis family, who renovated and enlarged it until the early 20th century. Since 1999 it has housed the Centro Operativo Archeologico di Bari.
The collection features funeral pottery and everyday items from various periods that reflect the long human occupation of Puglia across different cultures. These objects reveal how people lived and what mattered to them throughout the ages.
The museum sits near the Cathedral of San Sabino and offers free admission to all visitors. A basement section contains three well-preserved Byzantine apses that form part of the exhibition space.
The palace's name comes from the Simi de Burgis family, who owned it from the late 17th century until the early 20th century. Their coat of arms is still visible above the entrance portal on Strada Lamberti, formerly called Strada Simi.
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