Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Sanctuary of Santa Maria Regina di Anglona
Tursi (Matera)
Sanctuary of Santa Maria Regina di Anglona is in Tursi, province of Matera. Opening hours: Opening times vary, longer at weekends and on feast days: check before visiting. Admission: Free entry.
- Free entry.
- Opening times vary, longer at weekends and on feast days: check before visiting.
About this place
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria Regina di Anglona stands on an isolated hill in the municipality of Tursi, between the Agri and Sinni valleys. It is one of the finest Romanesque churches in southern Italy, a national monument since 1931 and a minor basilica.
History
The hill was already inhabited in Greek times: the ancient city of Pandosia probably stood here. Later the town of Anglona grew up, a bishop’s seat that was abandoned in the 14th century after destruction and fires; its inhabitants moved to Tursi. The present church was built between the 11th and 12th centuries by enlarging an older building, and it is the only surviving trace of the town. Pope Urban II stopped here in 1092.
What to see
• The porch in front of the entrance, with the decorated portal and the reliefs of the Lamb and the Evangelists.
• The apse, the most refined part, with small arches, pilasters and a large window; the outer walls bear tiles carved with animals.
• The bell tower and the walls in tuff and travertine.
• The medieval frescoes inside, with scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Festivals
In spring the statue of the Madonna of Anglona is carried in procession to the Annunziata Cathedral in Tursi and later brought back to the sanctuary; the main feast is on 8 September.
Useful information
• The sanctuary is a few kilometres from Tursi, along the provincial road to Policoro.
• Opening times change during the year: it’s worth emailing the sanctuary before you go.
