Nova Siri: Coast, Village History and Local Traditions

Nova Siri brings together several facets of Basilicata: Marina di Nova Siri is known for its wide sandy beaches and a promenade lined with pine trees. The historic village, with its narrow streets, arches and castle, offers a different way of experiencing the town. The local landscape also includes water and archaeological sites, a local gastronomic tradition and a rural Marian shrine. For travel planning, the coast, village history and archaeology can be considered as separate focal points, because they are tied to specific locations: the marina, the historic village and the archaeological areas.

Water, Archaeology and a Cultural-Historical Route

“La via dell'acqua da Zagaria al Ciglio dei Vagni” is part of Nova Siri’s intangible cultural heritage. The route runs from the Cascatella di Zacaria to the sea and passes through several sites of archaeological, hydraulic-engineering and natural-science interest. The Cascata della Zagaria is located on the Toccacielo Canal, next to an ancient Roman complex at the foot of Castrum Boleto, present-day Nova Siri.

The Cugno dei Vagni archaeological area includes a thermal complex. It probably served the settlement above it and also functioned as a rest stop on the ancient coastal road.

Historic Village with Distinctive Architectural Forms

So-called “lamie” define the appearance of the historic village: interconnected arches with cross vaults adorn the narrow streets. In the central area of the old village, Castello Sandoval de Castro is one of the prominent historic buildings. The castle was home to the poet Diego Sandoval de Castro.

A few hundred metres from the sea stands Torre Bollita, a historic cylindrical structure. It was built in 1520 at the behest of the Viceroy of Naples as an outpost for the early detection of Turks approaching from the sea.

Marina di Nova Siri and the Sea

Marina di Nova Siri has wide sandy beaches, while the seafront promenade is lined by a green pine grove. You can also go sailing in Nova Siri.

Flavour and Religious Tradition

A speciality of the local food culture is “U’ pastzzott di Nova Siri”. Its production area is limited exclusively to the administrative territory of the municipality of Nova Siri in the province of Matera, Basilicata region. “U’ pastzzott di Nova Siri” was recognised as a traditional agro-food product (PAT) by a decree of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies dated 14 July 2017 and included in the national register of traditional agro-food products. At the same time, “U’ pastzzott di Nova Siri” is a centuries-old local gastronomic tradition and is prepared during the Christmas holidays.

The Cappella santuario di Santa Maria della Sulla, a rural Marian shrine, is located in the Nova Siri area. The chapel consists of a single nave; its wooden choir houses a statue of Mary of Nazareth. A procession takes place there in May, when the Sulla plant is in bloom.

More destinations: Montescaglioso, Grassano, Ferrandina, Tinchi, San Giorgio Lucano, Pomarico, Tursi, Irsina

To the broader travel overview: Matera.