Bed and breakfast with a hot tub in Bernalda. We are a 30-minute drive from the neighbourhood of Tursi’s Rabatana, in a strategic location for exploring the coast, the countryside and the mountains. The B&B with an in-room whirlpool bath in the Mad Suite in Bernalda is situated in a strategic location, close to Matera, Craco, Pisticci, Metaponto, Policoro, Tursi and just 40 minutes from Basilicata’s most picturesque mountain destinations.
The Rabatana of Tursi
La Rabatana in Tursi is an old neighbourhood centred around the church of St John the Baptist, situated in the historic centre of Tursi, in the province of Matera, in Basilicata.
Its origins date back to the Norman period, when the town of Tursi was conquered by the Arabs. La Rabatana was the town’s Arab quarter and still retains the architectural and urban features of that era.
The neighbourhood was built on high ground overlooking the River Sinni, which made it a strategic location during successive periods of rule. In the 14th century, Rabatana was fortified with walls and towers to defend it against the many peoples who controlled it: the Spanish, the French and the Turks.
With the unification of Italy, the Rabatana lost its strategic importance and entered a period of decline that left it virtually abandoned. In the 1980s, thanks to the efforts of a number of cultural and voluntary organisations, the Rabatana began a slow revival, which has now led to a substantial restoration and revitalisation of the area.
Today, Rabatana is a working-class and artistic neighbourhood, where small craft shops sit alongside street theatre and contemporary art exhibitions. With its narrow alleyways and small stone quays, Rabatana is a destination for tourists and curious visitors alike, who come to admire its historic treasures (such as the churches of St John the Baptist and St Mary of the Nativity) and sample the typical local cuisine.
Let’s explore Tursi together
Tursi is a small town situated in the province of Matera, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy.
It is situated on a hill in the centre of a valley, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
Tursi is known for its historic centre, characterised by narrow alleyways, ancient churches and traditional stone houses.
The town is also famous for its beautiful scenery, which includes rolling hills, rustic farmland and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Some of Tursi’s main attractions include the Church of St Michael the Archangel, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Stella and the Seminary Building. The village is also famous for its cuisine, which features traditional dishes made with local ingredients such as lamb, olives and durum wheat.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Anglona It is situated in the municipality of Tursi, in the province of Matera, in the Basilicata region. The history of the sanctuary has very ancient origins and dates back to pre-Christian times. In fact, there used to be a sacred site in this area which was frequented by the ancient local peoples.
Later, during the Roman period, the area around the sanctuary was used for pagan rituals. However, with the advent of Christianity, the site was Christianised and became a centre of Marian devotion.
Legend has it that a shepherd named Andrea found an image of the Virgin Mary in a cave near the site of the Sanctuary. The shepherd took the image to the local church, but the Virgin Mary mysteriously returned to the cave. This event was interpreted as a divine sign and the image was taken to the Sanctuary, where it remains to this day.
The present-day sanctuary was built in 1350, during the period of Angevin rule, and was dedicated to Our Lady of Anglona. Over the centuries, the sanctuary has been extended and restored, becoming an important centre of Marian devotion for the local population.
Every year, on the third weekend of September, the feast of the Madonna dell’Anglona is celebrated, during which thousands of pilgrims come from all over the region to take part in the celebrations and leave votive offerings as a sign of devotion and gratitude.
Photo: Google Images
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