Irsina: Historic Village, Churches and Trails

Irsina is perched at a scenic location about 550 metres above sea level, between the Bradano and Basentello valleys. The ancient village of Montepeloso is now called Irsina. The historic townscape, art and churches, the history of the water supply and trails through the countryside offer different focuses for a trip. The historic Borgo Antico preserves architectural features from its early development, still recognisable in its narrow lanes. Old gates break through the walls, which rise into round watchtowers.

Historic Village, Churches and Art

A look at the architectural history leads to Palazzo Nugent, built over an earlier medieval castle dating from the 14th or 15th century. Porta Maggiore is attached to the palazzo and is described as the city’s main entrance. Chiesa di San Francesco was built in the 13th century; its frescoes date from the Middle Ages and the Baroque period.

The Concattedrale S. Maria Assunta houses a painted stone statue of Saint Euphemia attributed to Andrea Mantegna. At the Museo Civico Janora, a red-figure calyx krater from the first quarter of the 4th century BC is the central exhibit. Its shape, red-figure decoration and date give the object a distinctive place among Irsina’s art and history themes. Santa Maria Nova stands on the site known as Santa Maria di Juso and preserves traces of the Basilian monks.

Waterways and the town’s history

At the Bottini di C.da Fontana, visitors can explore an underground passageway. Along the way, they can observe the course of the groundwater and basins where calcareous material settles. The system shows how closely water and the town’s history are connected: in the early years of the 20th century, the water system made it possible to expand and reinforce the wells throughout Irsina.

Walking and cycling routes

The municipal project Irsina eSCUrsioni offers four themed routes that take in the village and areas beyond its walls. The route to Taccone follows a section of the Via Francigena del Sud and runs along unpaved paths between farmhouses. CAI trails lead in other directions: Trail 427 runs from Via A. Vespucci to Borgo Taccone; Trail 428 runs from Borgo Taccone to Castello di Monteserico. CAI Trail 428 also follows a section of the Via Francigena and offers views across agricultural landscapes.

CAI Trail 401 starts in the hamlet of Santa Maria D’Irsi and passes through the Valle del Torrente Basentello, Matinella, Irsitello, Monte d’Irsi and the Valle di San Vito. The routes listed differ in their destinations and landscapes. Check the conditions of the CAI trails before setting out; details of the municipal routes may change.

Cycling is also part of a municipal project: By Bike Irsina maps cycling routes in Irsina and the surrounding area. The project aims to make cycling-tourism connections from Irsina to the Adriatic coast, as well as to the Via Francigena on the section between Irsina and Matera, easier to use.

Landscape and local cuisine

Near Irsina lies Monte d’Irsi, with an archaeological site in a scenic setting. Bosco di Verrutoli offers walks along unpaved paths through unspoiled countryside. Chiesa di Santa Maria D’Irsi is also part of the landscape: set amid Irsina’s wheat fields, it was rebuilt in 1756 and is now abandoned. It is considered a site of historical and scenic interest.

Local food culture includes both sweets and homemade pasta. I Pezzetti di Irsina are traditional sweets made with fig molasses and an uneven coating of white icing. Cavatelli with beans and wild fennel is another time-honoured combination. These culinary specialities offer another perspective on Irsina’s traditions, alongside its history, architecture and landscape.

Discover more destinations: Bernalda, Montescaglioso, San Giorgio Lucano, Lido Di Scanzano, Marconia, Policoro, Tursi, Grassano.

View the broader travel overview: Matera.