Taverna ducale, Medieval civil building museum in Popoli, Italy.
Taverna Ducale is a medieval museum building in Popoli featuring a facade of squared limestone blocks, mullioned windows, and a pointed Gothic portal decorated with heraldic emblems. Inside, it displays archaeological findings from nearby excavation sites.
Duke Giovanni Cantelmo built the structure between 1333 and 1337 as an administrative center for collecting tithes and managing the local transhumance trade. This purpose shaped its architecture and function for several generations.
The collection showcases Roman artworks and religious reliefs spanning different periods, reflecting the artistic traditions of the region. Visitors can observe how local craftsmanship evolved across centuries.
The building sits on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi within easy walking distance from the town center. Admission is free and the displays are arranged to guide visitors through the different archaeological periods on view.
After its original function as a tax collection center, the building served as an overnight shelter for passing travelers before becoming a museum. This transformation reflects how structures adapt to changing needs over time.
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