The dolmen of Chianca lies a few kilometres to the south of Trani in Puglia, a region in the south of Italy on the Adriatic coast. It was not discovered until 1909. Because it is easily accessible this dolmen has become a symbol for all the dolmens in Puglia. Other dolmens close by are those of Paladini, Frisari, Albarosa and San Silvestri.
The long entrance passage is 8 metres long and the way can easily be seen despite the fact that all of the capstones have disappeared. There is nothing left of the mound which originally would have covered the tomb. Fortunately the chamber itself is well preserved and still has its fine large flat capstone in place.
Excavations by M. Gervasio and A. Mosso uncovered a bronze disc, amber beads and a large amount of neolithic pottery. These finds lay between the remains of 13 skeletons, of which one skeleton was complete.
Text Harrie Wolters
Translation Alun Harvey
