Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Mattinata “Matteo Sansone”

Mattinata’s National Archaeological Museum “Matteo Sansone” presents the archaeological collection assembled by a local pharmacist. It occupies the former civic museum’s premises and explores the ancient cultures of northern Puglia.

Why it matters

The collection connects a history of private collecting with public cultural preservation. Its objects illuminate Daunian society and the relationships between the Gargano, Tavoliere and wider Adriatic world.

What to notice

Carved Daunian funerary stelae, amber, geometric pottery and later ceramics reveal different aspects of ancient life. Material from Monte Saraceno and the Roman villa of Agnuli places these objects within Mattinata’s surrounding archaeological landscape.

Context and history

Matteo Sansone developed the collection over many years, displaying it in the family pharmacy. It received state heritage recognition in 1990. His heirs donated it to the Italian State in 2022, and the former civic museum’s rooms provided a setting for the national museum.