The Colossus of Barletta, also known as Heraclius, called Aré in the town’s dialect, is a gigantic bronze statue, 4.50 metres high. Its nickname derives from the fact that it was initially believed to depict the emperor Heraclius I, but this hypothesis has recently been discarded as its hairstyle does not correspond to that typical of the 5th century. It is much more likely to be a representation of the emperor Theodosius II at the age of 38, erected by order of Valentinian III in Ravenna in 439 A.D., and it ended up in Apulia by ways that are obscure to say the least.

The Colossus of Barletta therefore hides behind its impressiveness a fascinating aura of mystery between history and legend, all waiting to be discovered.