- Tursi
Infobox CityIT
img_coa = tursi-Stemma.gif
official_name = Comune di Tursi
img_coa_small=yes
name= Tursi
region =Basilicata
province = Matera (MT)
elevation_m = 243
area_total_km2 = 156
population_as_of =2004-12-31
population_total = 5390
population_density_km2 =35
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|40|15|N|16|28|E
frazioni =Panevino, Caprarico
telephone = 0835
postalcode = 75028
gentilic = Tursitani
saint = St.Philip Neri
day =May 26
mayor =
website = [http://www.comune.tursi.mt.it www.comune.tursi.mt.it]
mapx = 40.25
mapy = 16.47Tursi ( _gr. Thyrsoi) is a town and "
comune " in theprovince of Matera , in the southern Italian region ofBasilicata .History
In the 9th century it was a stronghold of the Saracens in southern Italy.
A Catholic bishop resided in the "frazione" of Anglona until 968
Main sights
anctuary of Anglona
The main attraction of Tursi is the Sanctuary of St. Mary of Anglona, a national monument. It is located on a hill at 263 m above the sea level, and was built from the 11th-12th centuries by enlarging a pre-existing small church (7th-8th centuries). It is a
tuff andtravertine construction, particularly notable for the external decoration of theapse , with numerous small arches, sculpted panels and a large central window flanked by small columns. Thenarthex of the entrance has a portal with reliefs with the lamb, symbols of the four Evangelists and other symbolic figures. The bell tower is in Romanesque styleThe church is on the Latin cross plan, with a nave and two aisles separated by five arcades in different styles. Traces of the 14th century frescoes with "Scenes of the Old and Testament" have been recently restored.
Others
The ancient burgh of Rabatana has the remaines of a castle built in the 5th century by the
Ostrogoths . Also there is the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (10th-11th centuries). Mostly remade in Baroque style, it has maintained the 15th century façade. the interior has a nave and two aisles, and is home to a precious 14th century triptych portraying the "Virgin Enthroned with Child" and "Scenes of the Life of Jesus", attributed toGiotto 's school.The Cathedral is from the 15th-16th centuries.
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