There are many treasures of Basilicata to discover. One of these is the village of Irsina, which is located on the border with Puglia. Its origins date back to the Greco-Roman age, which makes this rich agglomeration one of the oldest villages in Lucania. The name was different in the past. Until 1895 the town was known as Montepeloso, which seems to derive from the Greek plusos, which means fertile land.

Besieged by the Saracens in 895, who invaded and destroyed it in 988. Rebuilt by Prince John II of Salerno, only to be disputed between the Byzantines and the Normans. This territory was at the center of the battle of Montepeloso in 1041.

What to see in Irsina

The historic center of Irsina is located on a rocky spur. The locals dug for centuries, initially turning the area into a shelter, and then creating real homes. Even today you can admire the fantastic "cave houses", similar in every aspect to the stones of Matera. The house is undoubtedly worth visiting Barbaro cave, the most beautiful, now protected by the FAI, dug between two rocky caverns.

Do not miss the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, rebuilt in Romanesque style after the assault of the Saracens. Rebuilt with baroque forms during the eighteenth century. The Romanesque crypt and the contemporary bell tower have been saved from the violence of time. Both perfectly preserved. Among the works of art to be observed carefully are the baptismal font in red marble and the wooden crucifix of the Donatello school.

To add to the list of visits:

  • Church of St. Francis
  • Janora museum
  • Madonna del Carmine
  • Madonna of the Pietà
We discover Irsina, the village of cave houses last edit: 2022-07-31T09:30:00+02:00 da Luca Crowned

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