Nova Siri
| Nova Siri | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comune | ||
| Comune di Nova Siri | ||
| ||
  Nova Siri Location of Nova Siri in Italy | ||
| Coordinates: 40°9′N 16°32′E / 40.150°N 16.533°E | ||
| Country | Italy | |
| Region | Basilicata | |
| Province | Matera (MT) | |
| Frazioni | San Basile, San Megale, Sant'Alessio,Cerrolongo,Piana delle vigne,Foresta | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Eugenio Lucio Stigliano (municipal list) | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 52 km2 (20 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 355 m (1,165 ft) | |
| Population (December 2008)[1] | ||
| • Total | 6,698 | |
| • Density | 130/km2 (330/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Novasiresi | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code | 75020 | |
| Dialing code | 0835 | |
| Patron saint | San Giuseppe in Nova Siri paese and San Antonio in Nova Siri Scalo[2] | |
| Saint day | 19 March (and 13 June no festival) | |
| Website | Official website | |
Nova Siri is a town and comune in the province of Matera, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. Nova Siri is close to the site of the ancient Ionian colony of Siris. Nova Siri is formed by two small towns: the old, historic Nova Siri Centre ('paese') and the coastal town developed from the 1970s - Nova Siri Station ('Scalo'). The centre is sited on a hill at 350 metres (1,150 ft) above sea level about 9 km (6 mi) from the sea.
The main church and the castle are of medieval origin. The Monte Pollino National Park is located nearby.
Nova Siri is a popular holiday and tourist destination, thanks to its sandy coast characterized by coastal dunes. Nova Siri is reached via the SS 106 National road and by train.
The population is around 6,500, with the majority being in the newer, seaside town of Nova Siri Scalo. The population is much higher in summer when the holiday villages fill with tourists.
History
The history of Nova Siri starts during the Byzantine era when it was used as a military fortress. The old name “Bollita” comes from porcini mushrooms and the current name was replaced on the council’s request to recall its origins as a Greek territory. After the Greeks, the land was ruled by the Normans who were then succeeded by the Swabians and the Angevins. Eventually, Bollita became a fief of many lords and after the Unification of Italy, the town was attacked by gangs of bandits. It remained almost deserted after World War I and few people were able to deal with the agricultural work required in the fields. Nova Siri experienced a rebirth in the 1970s and since then, some scenes from the movies “Basilicata Coast to Coast” by Rocco Papelo and “Three Brothers” by Francesco Rosi were filmed there.
Tourism
Tourism is very important economic activity for Nova Siri. There are a lot of hotels and resorts where families can spend their summer holidays. At these resorts, you can do a lot of sports like windsurfing and surfing. Every year a lot of tourists come from abroad and from the rest of Italy.
In the village center, it is possible to see the castle, situated at the highest part of the town. Today, the castle is private property. Particularly enchanting are the narrow streets of the area called “porticella” characterized by the “lamie.” The chiesa madre dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption is also noteworthy. Near the church, there is the Cappella dell’Annunziata. At about one kilometer from the village, there is the Chapel of the Sulla, which attracts many faithful Christians every year. In the area called “Sant’Alessio,” there are two Roman reservoirs where water continuously boils due to the presence of sulfur. Near the beach side promenade, there is Torre Bollita that was constructed under the order of the viceroy of Naples in 1520. It is also possible to visit the remains of the Imperial Villa of Cigno dei Vagni, the most ancient site built in the territory. In Nova Siri Scalo, Chiesa di Sant’Antonio di Padova, built in 1953, the small private chapel located near the train station, and the private chapel of the Madonna della Taverna are noteworthy structures. The Marina of Nova Siri is a developing summer resort with large and sandy beaches and a clear blue sea. The promenade (lungomare) is dotted with pine forests and refreshment areas. Nova Siri is a tourist attraction for many who like to be outside especially during the summer. It is also famous for being the birthplace of the scholar and patriot Luigi Settembrini, whose house can still be admired. There are many agricultural activities that surround Nova Siri, especially fruit orchards, olive groves, and vegetable fields.
Festivals
Sagra d’ricchitell: you can taste various local products such as orecchiette, sandwiches with local meats, fruit, and excellent local wine. All is accompanied by lots of entertainment, especially dance.
Notte dei briganti (The Night of the Bandits): A historical reenactment that consists of a performance of scenes from the war between bandits and peasants and scenes from the daily life of that time.
References
- ↑ All demographics and other statistics from the Italian statistical institute (Istat)
- ↑ "Map of Nova Siri". Italy Magazine. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
