Archaeological and Natural Park of Santa Maria D'Agnano, Archaeological site and nature park near Ostuni, Italy.
The Archaeological and Natural Park of Santa Maria d'Agnano combines caves, Mediterranean plants, and archaeological structures spread across a large area two kilometers from Ostuni's center. The site brings together natural landscapes and scientific discoveries that record different historical periods.
The area was inhabited around 24,000 years ago based on skeletal remains discovered there, and later underwent different cultural transformations. The finds show that it remained an important location for human activity and religious practice across thousands of years.
The site began as a place devoted to the goddess Ceres and later became a Christian pilgrimage destination where people gathered regularly. This shift shows how religious practices changed across the centuries in this region.
The area can be explored through guided tours arranged with the management office. Wear sturdy shoes since the park covers uneven terrain with caves and natural formations.
The site contains the remains of a prehistoric pregnant woman buried with shell ornaments, representing one of the oldest documented burials of this kind. This discovery offers rare insight into living conditions and customs of that era.
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