Nova Siri: the jewel of Magna Graecia in Basilicata through history, culture and nature
The characteristic and tranquil town of Nova Siri is located in Basilicata, on the Ionian coast, on the border with Calabria. Nova Siri is a small town which is divided in Nova Siri Town and Nova Siri Marina, the first suburb, both the historical and cultural center, is located in the hills while the second is found along the sea and is surrounded by a vast, green pinewood.
Nova Siri is found at the heart of Magna Graecia, surrounded by a rich number of archaeological sites that represent the wealth and splendor of one of the most famous civilizations in history. Nova Siri is easily reached with the Taranto-Sibari train and by car following highway 106.
History
Nova Siri was originally known as Siris (7th century B.C.) and was the capital of Sirtidee and one of the first Greek colonies in the Ionian Sea. The Romans called it Castrum Boletum, Charles of Anjou gave it to the Monforti family as a fiefdom and in 1319 it went to the Sangineto family, then to the Sanseverino family (1447), the Montenegro family, the De Castro family (1505), the Montalbano, Raimondi and, finally, the Crivelli family who ruled from 1717 to 1806, the year in which feudalism was abolished.
The city participated in the “Carbonaro” movement of 1820-21, hosting the “Rivendita Carbonara” (a small city connected to the Carbonaro movement which promoted independent ideas) and participated in the reunification movement of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
The town of Nova Siri was severely damaged by a terrible earthquake in 1857 and then sacked by bandits. Until 1872 it was called Bollita, a name which comes from the Latin word “Boletus”, meaning “mushroom”.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Nova Siri experienced the sad phenomenon of migration which was interrupted when the lands around Metaponto were claimed and used for agriculture, after which they were mostly used for tourism, becoming one of the most popular destinations in Basilicata and in southern Italy.
What to see in Nova Siri Town
In the upper part of the city of Nova Siri there is the Castle that is presently inhabited. The Porticella quarter is very characteristic and one can admire the “Lamie”, arches interwoven in vaults, common in this area. The main church is that of Santa Maria Assunta with its Baroque façade and paintings from the 1700s which definitely deserves a visit. Nearby there is also the Chapel of the Annunciation. In the Sant’Alessio neighborhood there are the Roman thermal baths which can be visited. Other evidence of Nova Siri’s ancient past can be found in the ruins of the Imperial villa “Cigno dei Vagni”.
Places of interest
The Castle, the main Church of Saint Maria Assunta, the Ponticella quarter, the Roman Baths in the S. Alessio district, the Chapel of the Annunciation, the ruins of the Roman villa of Cigno dei Vagni, the Bollita tower which is a popular viewpoint on the Ionian coast, Nova Siri Marina.
Events
The Feast of Saint Joseph on 19 March, the Feast of Saint Anthony on 3 June, the Feast of the Virgin of Carmine on 16 June.