Discover Nova Siri: Beach, Culture and Local Traditions

Nova Siri combines coastal landscapes, archaeological traces and a distinctive local tradition. This makes it an interesting choice if you want to combine relaxing days by the sea with cultural discoveries and excursions into nature. Depending on the pace of travel you prefer, the focus can be on Marina di Nova Siri, the historic village or the surrounding area shaped by its water-related and cultural history.

Beach, Pine Grove and Sailing

Marina di Nova Siri has wide sandy beaches. The seafront promenade is lined with a green pine grove, giving the coastal area a distinct landscape character. If you are travelling with children, you can vary your plans accordingly: spending one day focused on the sea and beach, and another taking an excursion to historical or natural attractions. You can also go sailing in Nova Siri. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, it is therefore useful to first consider whether your holiday should be shaped primarily by the beach experience or by a variety of discoveries.

Waterways and Archaeological Traces

Nova Siri's intangible cultural heritage includes “La via dell'acqua da Zagaria al Ciglio dei Vagni”. The route leads to the sea and connects several sites of archaeological, historical water-engineering and natural interest. The Cascata della Zagaria waterfall lies on the Toccacielo Canal, next to an ancient Roman complex at the foot of Castrum Boleto, present-day Nova Siri. The Cugno dei Vagni archaeological area contains a thermal complex that probably served the settlement above it. It also functioned as a rest stop on the ancient coastal road. Nova Siri therefore offers not only individual sights, but also themes around which you can plan a varied excursion.

Another historical connection to the coast is Torre Bollita. The historic cylindrical structure stands a few hundred metres from the sea and was built in 1520 at the behest of the Viceroy of Naples as an outpost for the early detection of Turks approaching from the sea. Details such as these also make the landscape interesting for travellers who are looking for history and regional identity while staying by the sea.

The Old Village and Its Special Features

The historic village of Nova Siri is characterised by so-called “lamie”: interwoven arches with cross vaults adorn the narrow lanes. In the central area of the old village, Castello Sandoval de Castro is part of the townscape. The castle was home to the poet Diego Sandoval de Castro. When choosing accommodation for a culture-oriented stay, you can incorporate the character of the village into your travel plans just as you can the coastal landscape, without giving the two holiday focuses equal weight.

Local Tradition and Religious Heritage

A distinctive culinary tradition is “U’ pastzzott di Nova Siri”. Its production area is limited exclusively to the administrative territory of the municipality of Nova Siri in the province of Matera, Basilicata region. By decree of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies dated 14 July 2017, the speciality was recognised as a traditional agri-food product (PAT) and included in the national register of traditional agri-food products. This centuries-old tradition is maintained during the Christmas holidays.

The religious heritage includes the Cappella santuario di Santa Maria della Sulla, a rural Marian shrine in the Nova Siri area. The chapel consists of a single nave; a statue of Mary of Nazareth stands in the wooden choir. A procession takes place there in May, when the sulla plant is in bloom. This connection between landscape, faith and the season can provide an additional cultural point of reference for your travel plans.

Whether you are looking for a holiday apartment for a beach holiday, a holiday home as a base for cultural discoveries or accommodation for a varied trip, Nova Siri can be explored through a range of interests. More places to include in your travel plans: Pomarico, Miglionico, San Giorgio Lucano, Policoro, Ferrandina, Lido Di Scanzano, Tursi, Aliano.

To the main travel overview: Matera.