The statue was originally meant to be melted down in 1306 to cast bells for the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, but it was spared by the local friars.
Its height of 5.11 meters makes it one of the largest late antique bronze statues still in existence.
Local tradition claims the statue washed ashore after a Venetian ship carrying plunder from the Fourth Crusade sank nearby.
The statue is officially referred to as 'Eraclio' by the local population, linking it to the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius.
In 1924, archaeologists discovered a bronze hand and forearm fragment in the same area that likely belonged to the original statue.
The statue underwent significant restoration in the 1980s to stabilize the bronze and protect it from environmental corrosion.
The Colossus of Barletta is a colossal bronze statue, commonly identified as 'Eraclio,' standing 5.11 meters tall in the heart of the city. It represents a Byzantine emperor, likely Theodosius II or Valentinian I, dating back to the 4th or 5th century AD. The statue was allegedly recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of Barletta after the sack of Constantinople in 1204. It holds a cross in the right hand and a globe in the left, featuring typical late-Roman imperial regalia. Throughout its history, it survived attempts to be melted down for bells and cannons, notably by the Dominican friars in the 14th century. The statue remains an iconic symbol of the city and sits on a stone base directly in front of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It is one of the very few surviving bronze statues from the late Roman and Byzantine periods.
From the square looking slightly upward, capturing the contrast between the statue and the Basilica's facade.
Combine your viewing with a visit to the adjacent Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre for historical context.
The statue is located in a pedestrianized area, making it perfect for an evening stroll.
Visit during the early morning to photograph the statue without crowds blocking the view.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the base of the statue, as it is a protected historical monument.
