Scanzano Jonico (Scanzàn in the local dialect) is an Italian municipality in the province of Matera.
The following is defined as the Southern California for its vast citrus, vegetable and tobacco plantations. But it’s not just about agriculture: the town is also renowned for its beaches, which attract both domestic and international tourists. These beaches are characterised by their golden sand, are well organised to welcome visitors and have won several environmental awards over the years.
History
Scanzano Jonico only gained independence from Montalbano Jonico in 1974, becoming an autonomous municipality. Scanzano’s roots stretch back to ancient times: indeed, traces of Mycenaean settlements have been found. The place name, referring to a small settlement, dates back to the Middle Ages: it later became a fiefdom of Pietro da Oledo, who commissioned the construction of the Palazzaccio (baronial palace), but it was not until the 1950s that it was re-established and repopulated, following the launch of the land reform.
In November 2003, the Council of Ministers designated Scanzano as the sole national site for the storage of “long- and medium-lived” nuclear waste (categories 2 and 3) totalling approximately 60,000 cubic metres, in the hamlet of Terzo Cavone, just a few metres above sea level.
There were strong protests, which gave rise to the so-called. Days in Scanzano from 13 to 27 November of the same year, which will lead to a revision of the amendment, with the removal of Scanzano’s name from the official decree on nuclear waste. This decision was also supported by the area’s high seismic risk (zone 2, medium-high seismic risk) and, in particular, its extreme proximity to the sea and its altitude of just a few metres above sea level.
The risk of water ingress is too great for the creation of an underground site, as is the risk of the area being rapidly and completely submerged should sea levels rise in the future.
Archaeology, monuments and places of interest
The cultural heritage of this town is plain to see, starting with the Termitito – not far from the town centre – the site where ancient Roman baths were discovered, along with Mycenaean artefacts dating from the 13th to the 11th century BC.
If you’re interested in archaeology, there’s a site not far away Policoro (ancient Heraclea) where you can visit the the Siritide National Archaeological Museum and the archaeological park.
Also Metaponto It certainly deserves attention, as it is the heart of the Magna Graecia, as well as being able to visit the the National Archaeological Museum and the archaeological site with the Palatine Tables: Fifteen Doric columns, the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Hera.
Monuments
- the Andriace farmhouse
- the stately Palazzo Recoleta: a fortified country house characterised by a large portal, a square tower and two towers situated at the corners of the façade
- the baronial palace (or “Palazzaccio”), with an adjoining chapel. It is a feudal building on a square plan with an inner courtyard and a crenellated tower. It dates from the 16th century and was built by Pietro da Oledo.
- the Aragonese Tower (also known as the Scanzana Tower or the Lighthouse Tower)
- the historic centre, characterised by the white cottages of the settlers from the land reform
- the imposing Mare Tower, the first watchtower and defensive stronghold for a piece of land that has always been a subject of dispute
Religious heritage
the small chapel of the “Theotokos” (Mother of God). Scanzano also boasts a fine religious heritage and some interesting works of art.
Adjoining the Baronial Palace – a feudal building also known as the “Palazzaccio” – is a chapel that was recently consecrated; inside, it houses a wooden crucifix and a silver crown of Santissima Maria Annunziata dating from the 18th century. The portal is adorned with a bas-relief depicting the Annunciation. In the village of Scanzano Ionico, visitors can explore the mother church of the Annunziata, which houses a silver crown dating from 1715 and several 18th-century wooden sculptures.
Just outside the town centre, you can admire Palazzo di Recoleta, a fortified farmstead (17th–18th centuries) with the Church of San Giuseppe attached to it.
The “table”
As mentioned at the start, Scanzano is known for its cultivation of potatoes, vegetables and fruit, mainly citrus fruits, peaches, strawberries and kiwis.
The local specialities are mainly based on fish and vegetables: examples include “scapice”, made with anchovies marinated in vinegar, and the “piatto d’erbe”, featuring a variety of seasonal vegetables. Lucanian-style salt cod, on the other hand, is for those who prefer “strong” flavours; in fact, it is prepared with the delicious, crunchy ‘cruschi’ peppers from Senise.
Wine-making is no exception either: mention is made of the wines of the Metapontino region, including the White Malvasia and Moscato.
Cinema
- Basilicata Coast to Coast, directed by Rocco Papaleo (2010)
- *Operazione vacanze*, directed by Claudio Fragasso and starring Jerry Calà, a film inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name (2012)
City of Peace
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Betty Williams established the City of Peace Foundation for Children in 2009 – a network of facilities designed to provide shelter for children living in dangerous situations in their own countries. The aim is to provide care, schooling and education to children facing social hardship or danger resulting from wars or environmental disasters.
Other interesting facts
The beaches of Scanzano are characterised by dunes covered in Mediterranean scrub and splendid coastal pine forests. Along the beaches, you can “drink in” the scent of lush blooms, which characterise the landscape, together with expanses of orchards.
The mouth of the River Cavone is well worth a visit; it is of botanical and ornithological interest due to its rich and varied birdlife, so much so that the area is popular with birdwatchers, who can admire the sule (large seabirds that nest on the cliffs of northern Europe) and their swift flight over the sea.
Birds aside, you can also enjoy the sight of green reeds and feathery tamarisk trees, which make the Cavona area a suitable habitat for numerous species of wildlife. For lovers of the great outdoors, there are also various activities on offer, such as golf, sailing, windsurfing and recreational fishing. Or simply going for a walk or a ride on horseback along the beach!
There are plenty of opportunities for cycling or boating trips, for a swim out at sea or for underwater fishing.
