A Journey through Italy: one photo every day #26 - VALSINNI [ENG/ITA]

Hello everyone,
I began a Photo Journey through Italy. I will post one photo every day with a little note of explanation.
I hope you like it!

Valsinni is a small town in the province of Matera, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. It is situated in the valley of the river Sinni, from which its name originates but until 1873 was called Favale San Cataldo.

The town has a history that goes back to centuries. The remains of an Acropolis were found on Monte Coppolo as well as an ancient city wall. It is believed that the town was first founded by the Lucani in 4th century BC and remained an important center till the 14th century.

Valsinni is hanging between the sea and the mountains, the Sinni river flows through the town. Morra’s castle, which dominates the town, is characterized by ancient burghs alleys separated by the typical “grafi”, vaulted passages. All the medieval streets in the older section of the town had developed around the castle and the structure still stands unharmed today; it is very impressive because it is not accessible to cars.

The poetess Isabella Morra was born in the early 16th century and killed by her brother at the young age of 25 for a mortal revenge for her suspected liaison with a Spanish nobleman. Her short, tragic life and her poetry are commemorated in the Literary Park dedicated to her. According to legend, there's the ghost of Isabella morra in the castle.

Chiesa Madre is the mother church of Valsinni and is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. The beautiful church has been in Valsinni since medieval ages and has been an important religious center in town. Chiesa Della Annunziata (17th century) is another important church in Valsinni.

The Pollino National Park is also located close to Valsinni.

Thing to see: The historical center, the Valsinni Castle, The Chiesa Madre of Santa Maria Assunta, The Church of Annunziata, Palazzo Mauri, The Literary Park of Isabella Morra, the Pollino National Park.