Irsina: Ancient Village, Art and Via Francigena Routes
Accommodation in Irsina
The ancient Borgo Montepeloso, today’s Irsina, is situated in a scenic location at an altitude of around 550 metres between the valleys of the Bradano and Basentello rivers. In the Borgo Antico, narrow lanes still preserve recognisable architectural forms from the town’s early development. Ancient gates open through the walls, which rise into rounded watchtowers. For you, orientation begins with a townscape in which elevation, fortification and historic buildings stand directly alongside one another.
Art and Churches in the Historic Centre
At the Museo Civico Janora, a red-figure krater is the central exhibit. It dates from the first quarter of the 4th century BC. The Concattedrale S. Maria Assunta houses a painted stone statue of Saint Euphemia, attributed to Andrea Mantegna. The Chiesa di San Francesco is a religious landmark built in the 13th century; its frescoes range from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.
Further historic traces can be found in the Palazzo Nugent, which was built over an earlier medieval castle dating from the 14th or 15th century. The Porta Maggiore is attached to the Palazzo Nugent and is considered the main entrance to the town. The church of Santa Maria Nova stands on the site known as Santa Maria di Juso and preserves traces of the Basilian monks. In this way, Irsina can be viewed through its buildings, religious art and the structure of the old Borgo, without every surviving element belonging to the same period.
Bottini, Fields and Archaeological Traces
The Bottini di C.da Fontana offer a distinctive combination of water engineering and local history. They include an accessible underground passage where the course of the groundwater and the basins used to deposit the lime-rich material can be observed. In the early years of the 20th century, the water system made it possible to expand and reinforce the wells throughout the town of Irsina.
There are also destinations outside the Borgo with their own distinct character. The Chiesa di Santa Maria D’Irsi was rebuilt in 1756 and is now abandoned. It lies among Irsina’s wheat fields and is considered a place of historic and scenic interest. In the area around Irsina, Monte d’Irsi comprises an archaeological site in an attractive landscape.
Routes for Walks and Exploration
The municipal project Irsina eSCUrsioni offers four themed routes that explore the Borgo and the areas beyond its walls. The route to Taccone follows a section of the Via Francigena del Sud and runs along unpaved paths between farmhouses. CAI trail 427 leads from Via A. Vespucci to Borgo Taccone. CAI trail 428 runs from Borgo Taccone to Castello di Monteserico, follows a section of the Via Francigena and offers views across agricultural areas.
CAI trail 401 begins in the hamlet of Santa Maria D’Irsi and leads through the Valle del Torrente Basentello, Matinella, Irsitello, Monte d’Irsi and the Valle di San Vito. The Bosco di Verrutoli also offers walks along unpaved paths through an unspoilt landscape. Anyone wishing to explore Irsina by bicycle can find mapped cycling routes in Irsina and the surrounding area through the By Bike Irsina project. The project is also intended to make cycling-tourism connections from Irsina to the Adriatic coast and to the Via Francigena on the section between Irsina and Matera easier to use.
Traditional Flavours from Irsina
The culinary identity includes I Pezzetti di Irsina, traditional sweets made with fig molasses and an unevenly applied white glaze. Irsina’s tradition of homemade pasta includes cavatelli with beans and wild fennel. These specialities complement the historical and scenic impressions with an everyday side of the town rooted in the region.
Other places you can include in your trip to Italy are Pomarico, Rotondella, Metaponto, Aliano, Lido Di Scanzano, Marconia, Tinchi and Montalbano Jonico.
For the broader travel overview: Matera.
