We don’t know much about Niculitel but while researching the area something drew our attention. There seems to be a museum here, housing a Paleochristian Basilica. What can this be we wonder and as we pass close by we decide to do the detour. First we are not sure about parking however the attendant jumps out the building and directs us to an interior plaza clearly marked with No Parking that we skipped previously. She then mentions casually that it is to avoid locals parking there, only tourists are permitted. Well I guess now the eyes of everyone in the small park is on us so we pay the entrance and enter the impressive building. This site is more impressive than we expected and very well laid out, you can walk and transparent walkways and view the excavation.
In fact the site has an interesting history, it was found relatively recently in 1971 when following severe flooding the villagers discovered the dome of the crypt and broke it open and saw human remains. Future research confirmed that the basilica was from the 5th century with the martyrs being from the 4th century or earlier. And that is what we can see, the basilica floor and the small crypt. You cannot walk on the basilica floor and reach the crypt except on special days and today it is not one of those unfortunately.
There are also a few exhibits of items found in the area including pottery from North Africa, pointing at the long history of trade in the area. And then we are out after a surprisingly interesting visit to this not enough advertised attraction.
