Old Town and Castle of Nova Siri

History

The village was founded in Byzantine times as a military fortress and was long known as Bollita. In 1872 the town council chose the name Nova Siri, to commemorate ancient Siris, the Magna Graecia city that gave its name to the whole Siritide area. In the 16th century the castle and towers were part of the defensive system against pirate raids.

What to see

• The castle, at the highest point of the village, from which the roads from the coast towards the interior could be controlled.
• The Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its Baroque façade, polychrome marble altar and bell tower rebuilt in 1866 after the earthquake of 1857.
• The Porticella district, with its alleys, staircases and lamie (interlacing arches with cross-vaulted ceilings).
• The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sulla, the chapels of the Annunziata and Santa Sinforosa, and the Settembrini and Orioli palaces.

Useful information

• The feast of the Madonna della Sulla is celebrated on the second Sunday of May; in summer the village hosts shows and events.
• Nova Siri is the final stage of the Basilicata Coast to Coast trail.
• Heading down towards the sea, you’ll pass the vasche di Sant’Alessio and the spiaggia di Nova Siri.