Among hills and sanctuaries, Anglona is faith, land, and peasant tradition.
Anglona is a hamlet of the municipality of Tursi, perched on a hill overlooking the valley between the Agri and Sinni rivers, at about 263 meters above sea level.
It is best known for the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Regina di Anglona, a national monument since 1931, elevated to minor basilica in 1999.
Anglona blends nature, ancient history (with archaeological remains possibly dating back to the Magna Graecia or Roman period), religious architecture, sweeping landscapes, distant sea views of the Ionian coast, calanchi formations, pine forests, and hillside trails.
TRANSHUMANCE IN ANGLONA
The hill of Anglona and its surrounding ridges have long been crossed by transhumance routes, especially by herds moving between hilltop pastures and coastal or lowland areas during milder seasons.
Shepherds use Anglona as a place of rest, a watering point, a spiritual reference, and a site of contemplation over the vast valley during their seasonal journeys.Local tratturi and trails connecting the sanctuary to smaller districts serve as traditional livestock routes.
The “Transumanza Trekking – Tursi / Anglona” excursion uses these very paths to offer an experience where walking, history, nature, and the deep sound of herds come together. Zirlìo
WHAT TO VISIT
- Sanctuary of Santa Maria Regina di Anglona: Romanesque-local architecture, ornamental details, panoramic setting atop the hill between the rivers—a powerful spiritual landmark of the region.
- The calanchi around Anglona: dramatic clay formations carved by erosion, creating breathtaking contrasts of light, form, and color.
- The pine forest, the small lake along the trekking route, and scenic viewpoints from the hill offering sights of valleys, the sea, and mountains.
- Archaeological remains near Anglona: necropolises, historical traces of ancient Pandosia and the Acropolis of Anglona.
WHAT TO DO
- Take part in the annual pilgrimage of the Madonna of Anglona: a heartfelt procession from the sanctuary to Tursi, filled with devotion, music, walking, and shared tradition.
- Join guided hikes like Transumanza Trekking linking Tursi and Anglona: panoramic walks, visits to the sanctuary, peaceful strolls through the pine forest and along natural springs.
- Enjoy moments of contemplation, photography, and art: the hill, the calanchi, and the sanctuary are perfect subjects for those seeking the harmony of nature and spirituality.
- Participate in local cultural events held at the sanctuary: food festivals, open-air concerts, and art exhibitions connected to the land.