Tursi: Rabatana, Churches and the Sanctuary of Anglona
Accommodation in Tursi
La Rabatana was the first inhabited settlement of Tursi and is surrounded on all sides by deep, inaccessible ravines. In the historic settlement, visitors can follow the paths between the ruins and view the remains of the simple, often single-storey houses. The often single-storey houses and the deep ravines shape the centre of Rabatana in different ways. The ravines define the spatial setting of this old settlement centre.
Rabatana and the Gradinata della Rabatana
The Gradinata della Rabatana is a wide, steep road that extends for more than 200 metres along the ravines. Locally, it is known as “petrizze”. It was built in 1600 by Carlo Doria, Andrea Doria's nephew and lord of Tursi, at his own expense. For daily planning, the Gradinata should be considered as a section of more than 200 metres with a significant incline.
Churches and Monastic History
The Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore in Rabatana dates from the 10th to the 11th century. It was remodelled in the Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century; in the process, it retained only its 15th-century façade. Its crypt dates from the 7th to the 8th century and housed the episcopal see of the Diocese of Tursi in 968.
The Convento di San Francesco d'Assisi was founded in 1441 and is now a national monument. The convent was established in the 15th century and thus after the church and crypt.
Albino Pierro in the Museum and Literary Park
In the historic centre of Tursi, the Casa Museo “Albino Pierro” is located in the San Filippo district above Piazza Plebiscito. It is the former palace of the Pierro family. The Museo della Poesia Pierriana displays paintings, poems, objects and memorabilia from the works of Albino Pierro.
The Parco Letterario Albino Pierro was founded in Tursi to promote the memory of the poet and his work, the city's historical and cultural heritage, and the continued existence of the Tursi dialect. For those interested in culture, this thematic area combines literature, buildings and the city's history at specific locations in Tursi.
The Sanctuary of Anglona and its Feast Day
The Santuario Maria Santissima di Anglona is located on the hill of Anglona at 263 metres above sea level, about ten kilometres from Tursi, and overlooks the Agri and Sinni rivers. The hill of Anglona and the Agri and Sinni rivers form the landscape surrounding the sanctuary. On 17 May 1999, it was elevated to the rank of a Minor Basilica. Its main feast is held on 8 September. When planning a day's visit, the elevation of 263 metres and the approximate distance of ten kilometres can be considered separately.
More destinations
More destinations for your research on Italy: Grottole, San Giorgio Lucano, Metapont, Ferrandina, Marconia, Policoro, Lido Di Scanzano, Peschiera
To the higher-level travel overview: Matera.
