Tursi
| Tursi | |
|---|---|
| Comune | |
| Comune di Tursi | |
  Tursi | |
| Coordinates: 40°15′N 16°28′E / 40.250°N 16.467°ECoordinates: 40°15′N 16°28′E / 40.250°N 16.467°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Basilicata |
| Province | Matera (MT) |
| Frazioni | Panevino, Caprarico |
| Area | |
| • Total | 156 km2 (60 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 243 m (797 ft) |
| Population (31 December 2004) | |
| • Total | 5,390 |
| • Density | 35/km2 (89/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Tursitani |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 75028 |
| Dialing code | 0835 |
| Patron saint | St. Philip Neri |
| Saint day | May 26 |
| Website | Official website |
History
In the 9th century it was a stronghold of the Saracens in southern Italy.
A Catholic bishop resided in the frazione of Anglona until 968, when it became the capital of the Byzantine theme of Lucania.
Main sights
Sanctuary of Anglona
The main attraction of Tursi is the Sanctuary of St. Mary of Anglona, a national monument. It is located on a hill at 263 m above the sea level, and was built from the 11th-12th centuries by enlarging a pre-existing small church (7th-8th centuries). It is a tuff and travertine construction, particularly notable for the external decoration of the apse, with numerous small arches, sculpted panels and a large central window flanked by small columns. The narthex of the entrance has a portal with reliefs with the lamb, symbols of the four Evangelists and other symbolic figures. The bell tower is in Romanesque style
The church is on the Latin cross plan, with a nave and two aisles separated by five arcades in different styles. Traces of the 14th-century frescoes with Scenes of the Old and Testament have been recently restored.
Others
In the ancient semi-fortified village of Rabatana there are the remains of a castle built in the 5th century by the Ostrogoths. There is also the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (10th-11th centuries: largely rebuilt in the Baroque style, it has maintained its 15th century façade. The interior has a nave and two aisles, and is home to a priceless 14th century triptych portraying the Virgin Enthroned with Child and Scenes of the Life of Jesus, attributed to the school of Giotto.
The Cathedral dates from the 15th-16th centuries.