Solar Farm Construction Reveals 1,500-Year-Old Basilica in Puglia

During the construction of a large photovoltaic plant in the province of Foggia, Italy, workers uncovered the remains of a basilica dating from the 6th to 8th century, along with an adjacent necropolis and a Neolithic compound from the 4th millennium BCE. The Danish renewable energy company European Energy, which is building the solar farm, sponsored the archaeological excavations with nearly one million euros. Working with the specialized firm Nostoi S.r.l., archaeologists recovered the basilica's perimeter and studied approximately 117 burial cavities, yielding artifacts such as bracelets, rings, buckles, ceramic jugs, metal objects, and coins. The site is located in ancient Daunia, a region corresponding to present-day Foggia province, part of Barletta-Andria-Trani province, and northern Basilicata. The company aims to protect the environment and enhance cultural heritage in synergy with public authorities, following preservation directives from the Soprintendenza. Plans include developing slow tourism itineraries to promote the area's environmental, cultural, and historical significance.