Nova Siri: Coast, Culture and History

Nova Siri offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip: the wide sandy beaches of Marina di Nova Siri, the historic village with its “lamie” and traces of ancient use. Local traditions add another dimension, from regional cuisine to a rural Marian shrine. When choosing a hotel in Nova Siri, you can first consider whether the coast, local history or cultural themes will be the focus of your stay.

Beach, Promenade and Sailing

Marina di Nova Siri has wide sandy beaches. Along the seafront promenade, a green pine grove borders the path, adding a leafy edge to the coast’s open character. You can also go sailing in Nova Siri. If you are choosing your destination mainly for the sea, the beach and sailing offer different ways to enjoy it: relaxing on the sand or taking to the water.

The Historic Village and Its Buildings

So-called “lamie” shape the narrow streets of the historic village. These are interconnected arches with cross vaults that decorate the streets. The term thus refers to an architectural style shaped by arches and vaults, and forms part of the streetscape. If you are interested in the village’s distinctive architecture, take time to notice these details alongside the layout of its narrow streets.

Castello Sandoval de Castro stands in the central area of the old village. The building was home to the poet Diego Sandoval de Castro. The old town is therefore associated not only with striking architecture but also with a historical figure. Torre Bollita offers another perspective on coastal history: this cylindrical historic structure is located a few hundred metres from the sea. It was built in 1520 at the behest of the Viceroy of Naples as an outpost to spot Turks approaching by sea at an early stage.

Waterways and Archaeological Traces

“La via dell'acqua da Zagaria al Ciglio dei Vagni” is part of Nova Siri’s intangible cultural heritage. The route runs from Cascatella di Zacaria to the sea, passing several sites of archaeological, hydraulic-engineering and natural-history interest. Water is the route’s central theme, bringing a range of historical and landscape features into view along the way. If you would like to include the route in your plans, check current access arrangements in advance.

Cascata della Zagaria is on the Toccacielo Canal, beside an ancient Roman complex at the foot of Castrum Boleto, today’s Nova Siri. The archaeological area at Cugno dei Vagni includes a thermal complex that probably served the settlement above it. The complex also served as a rest stop on the ancient coastal road. These two roles provide an illuminating historical context: the thermal complex was connected both to the settlement above and to traffic along the coast.

Shrine and Local Tradition

The Cappella santuario di Santa Maria della Sulla is a rural Marian shrine in the Nova Siri area. It consists of a single nave, with a statue of Mary of Nazareth in the wooden choir. A procession takes place at the chapel in May, when the Sulla plant is in bloom. If you would like to include this event in your travel plans, check the exact date in advance.

“U’ pastzzott di Nova Siri” is also part of the local identity. This centuries-old culinary tradition is maintained during the Christmas holidays, and its production is limited to the administrative area of the Municipality of Nova Siri in the Province of Matera, Basilicata. A decree issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry on 14 July 2017 recognised the product as a traditional agri-food product (PAT) and added it to the national register of traditional agri-food products. It was published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic, General Series No. 176 of 29 July 2017, Supplement No. 41.

When looking for a hotel in Nova Siri, you can weigh up these points of interest: the coast and sailing, the old village’s architectural history, archaeological sites, or local and religious traditions. This makes it easier to choose a destination based on the themes that matter to you on your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Matera.