Policoro.
The town, built by the inhabitants of Colophon in
Asia Minor in about 680 B.C., was destroyed by an
Achaean coalition at the beginning of the VI century
B.C.
After a period of decline, in the V century B.C.
the colonies of Taranto and Thuru rebuilt it over
the ruins of the ancient Siris and called it Heraclea.
Near this town, the first big battle between the
Romans and Phyrrus took place in 280 B.C.
The Archaeological Park, situated behind the National
Museum of Siritide, which contains the ruins of
the ancient town of Siris-Heraclea is very interesting
to visit. Near the museum there is the Shrine of
Demeter and the Archaic Temple dedicated to Dionysus
dating from the VII century B.C.
Near Policoro lies the Pantano wood, where there
are species typical of a temperate-wet climate,
unusual compared to the warm-wet climate of the
Jonian coast.
The town, an important seaside resort in the region,
is equipped with quite a few tourist facilities
for summer holidays.
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