Discovering the National Archaeological Museum of the Siritide: The Ancient Heart of Basilicata

Located in Policoro, in the province of Matera, the National Archaeological Museum of the Siritide is one of the most significant historical and cultural landmarks in Basilicata. It preserves a rich archaeological heritage that tells the ancient story of the Siritide plain, a territory inhabited since prehistoric times and later one of the most vibrant centers of Magna Graecia.

Origins and History of the Museum

The museum takes its name from the ancient Siris River, which once flowed through the area, and was founded in the 1960s with the aim of collecting, preserving, and showcasing finds from excavations at the nearby Greek cities of Siris and Herakleia. Siris was one of the earliest Greek colonies, founded in the 7th century B.C. along the Ionian coast, while Herakleia, established around 433 B.C., inherited its political and religious prominence. These cities were major crossroads of exchange between the Greeks and the indigenous peoples, particularly the Enotrians and Lucanians.

Today, the museum offers an extensive exhibition itinerary documenting the historical evolution of the region from prehistory to the Roman era, making it one of the most important institutions for understanding Magna Graecia in southern Italy.

The Collections

The museum’s layout unfolds through several sections, guiding visitors on a journey through the centuries:

• The Siris Section displays figured ceramics, votive terracottas, weapons, and everyday objects dating between the 7th and 6th centuries B.C., testifying to the refined craftsmanship of Greek artisans.
• The Herakleia Section houses artifacts from the city’s necropoleis and sacred areas, including funerary sets, votive statuettes, and finely crafted gold jewelry, dating from the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C.
• The Enotrian and Lucanian Sections exhibit the material culture of the native inland populations, featuring bronze weapons, geometrically decorated pottery, and ornaments in amber and silver.

Complementing the displays are reconstruction models, maps, and educational panels that help visitors understand the historical and cultural development of the area. The museum is also complemented by the Archaeological Park of Herakleia, where the remains of the ancient Greek city and its sanctuary can be explored in their original setting.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 8 – 75025 Policoro (MT)
• Contacts:
   
  • Tel: +39 0835 972154
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: www.museosiritide.beniculturali.it

Opening Hours

• Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  (Last entry at 7:30 p.m.)
  It is recommended to check the official website for possible schedule updates before visiting.

Tickets (2025 Rates)

• Full: €5.00
• Reduced (EU citizens aged 18–25): €2.00
• Combined ticket (Museum + Archaeological Park): €6.00
• Free entry: first Sunday of every month

How to Get There

• By car: Accessible via the SS106 Jonica, exit for Policoro and follow signs to the city center.
• By train: The Policoro–Tursi station is about 2 km from the museum.
• By bus: Daily connections from Matera, Metaponto, and other towns in Basilicata.

Photo credits: Italian Ministry of Culture