Banzi (Potenza)
Abbey of Santa Maria
The Abbey of Santa Maria, or Benedictine Badia, is Banzi’s most important monument and the oldest Benedictine monastery in Basilicata. It stands in the centre of the town, in Largo Umberto II.
- Opening hoursVariable: check before visiting
- AdmissionCheck locally
- WhereLargo Umberto II, Banzi (PZ)
What to see
- The church, Romanesque in origin with Baroque interior decoration: it has a single nave, ten side chapels (five on each side) and the presbytery.
- The exposed-stone façade, with a portal with white-stone jambs and lintel and, high up, a marble bas-relief of the Madonna and Child.
- The restored part of the abbey, which houses a museum.
A little history
Tradition places the foundation at the end of the 8th century (797). Until the 11th century the monastery depended on Montecassino, then became independent thanks to the protection of the Norman princes Roger and Bohemond, sons of Robert Guiscard. In 1089, returning from the Council of Melfi on his way to Bari, Pope Urban II consecrated the church. With Norman donations the abbey extended its estates across Basilicata, Apulia and even Calabria; in the 17th century it became a rich cardinal’s commendam.
How to get there
It stands in the centre of Banzi, in Largo Umberto II. The town is in the Alto Bradano, near the border with Apulia.
Useful information
Official opening times are not given, so it is best to check before going, also for the museum. The map position is approximate and corresponds to the town centre.
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