Historic Sights & Scenery

History abounds here as many different nationalities made their mark; the French, Greeks and Arabs. Perched on the hill above The Bergamot is Rabatana, an original Arabic town dating from 8th century. The church here is beautiful with a crypt decorated with frescos that look like they were painted yesterday. 

The Church of San Filippo near The Bergamot is 1000 years old and is in Baroque style. Also the Old Commune (town hall) in the old town has a museum.

The Sanctuary of Maria Angolona is also worth a visit, a beautiful Church perched high

on a hill about 5 miles from Tursi. At Metaponto there are Greek columns and a small museum. Val Sinni has the castle of Isabella Morra, (murdered by her brothers for having a 'friendship' with a man), dating back to the 16th century.

Matera is one of the two provincial capitals of Basilicata. It will be European Capital of Culture in 2019, and can be reached in under an hour. It has gained international fame for its ancient town and World Heritage Site; the "Sassi di Matera" (meaning "stones of Matera"). The Sassi originated as a prehistoric troglodyte settlement, and these dwellings are thought to be among the first ever human settlements in what is now Italy. The second oldest constantly inhabitated city in the world, after Jerusalem, it was the backdrop to Mel Gibson’s Passion Of The Christ. Matera also boasts many churches and it's just wonderful wandering around this amazing part of history.

Other Places of Interest