Tursi

A picturesque hillside town in the Sinni valley known for its striking white Arab-Norman district called the Rabatana and the sanctuary of Santa Maria d'Anglona. A deeply authentic slice of southern Basilicata.

Things to do

• Explore the Rabatana quarter — This ancient white-washed Arab district is one of the best-preserved in Basilicata.
• Visit Santa Maria d'Anglona — A stunning 11th-century hilltop sanctuary with Byzantine frescoes and valley views.
• See the Horace manuscript exhibit — A rare medieval copy of Horace's Odes is among the town's cultural treasures.
• Walk the Sinni river valley — Trails descend from the town into the lush valley below with old mill ruins.
• Photograph the panoramic terrace — The belvedere near the main church offers sweeping views over the Agri and Sinni valleys.

Food to try

• Cutturiddi — A rustic lamb and vegetable broth stew cooked with wild herbs, typical of the Sinni area.
• Strascinati al Sugo Piccante — Hand-dragged pasta with a spicy tomato sauce made with local Senise peppers.
• Soppressata Lucana — Dry-cured pork salami seasoned with chilli and fennel seeds, a regional staple.
• Taralli al Vino — Crispy ring-shaped crackers made with white wine, perfect with local cheese.

Local customs & good to know

• Church dress code applies — Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Santa Maria d'Anglona and parish churches.
• Attend the August pilgrimage — Thousands walk to the Anglona sanctuary on 8 September; a moving local tradition.
• Engage with locals gently — Tursi sees few tourists; a few words of Italian go a long way in earning warm hospitality.