Irsina
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Latest page update: 16 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Irsina
Irsina, a historic town in the Province of Matera, is recognised for its medieval centre and cathedral housing the statue of Saint Eufemia. Local stays are mostly small residences, so for established hotels the best options are found in nearby Matera.
In Matera, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers distinctive cave-style rooms with refined facilities, consistently praised for their unique atmosphere (€€€). Also in the city, Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel provides elegant rooms, a spa and rooftop views over the Sassi, often highlighted for its comfort and high standards (€€€). Another option is Hotel San Domenico al Piano, featuring modern rooms in a central location, regularly noted for convenience and service (€€).
In Matera, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers distinctive cave-style rooms with refined facilities, consistently praised for their unique atmosphere (€€€). Also in the city, Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel provides elegant rooms, a spa and rooftop views over the Sassi, often highlighted for its comfort and high standards (€€€). Another option is Hotel San Domenico al Piano, featuring modern rooms in a central location, regularly noted for convenience and service (€€).
Where is
Where is Irsina?
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The village of Irsina is an official comune in the region of Basilicata, situated within the Province of Matera.
It has a population of 4,737 inhabitants and stands at an elevation of 550 metres above sea level. It's listed as one of the "Borghi Più Belli d'Italia" (Italy's most beautiful villages), and its main sight is Irsina Cathedral. |
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The Borghi Più Belli listing comes under the heading "Il Mantegna Segreto", which is in reference to a statue of Sant'Eufemia in Irsina Cathedral. The statue's creation is contested between those that believe it was produced by Andrea Mantegna and others that maintain it was the work of Pietro Lombardo.
Comune di Irsina
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Province: Matera
Region: Basilicata Population: 4,473 (in 2024 - source) Size: 263 km² Elevation: 550 metres Highlights: Irsina Cathedral with statue by Andrea Mantegna Close by: Genzano di Lucania, Matera, Acerenza, Tricarico Recommended accommodation: Coluni Sport Resort (27 km) |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Il Mantegna Segreto (The Secret Mantegna)
Listing headline: Il Mantegna Segreto (The Secret Mantegna)
What People Ask About Irsina, Basilicata
Is Irsina worth visiting?
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What are the main attractions in Irsina?
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Discover
Discover Irsina
Irsina stands on a hilltop in the province of Matera, within the region of Basilicata, commanding views over the Bradano Valley and the Murgia plateau. Its historic centre preserves a well-defined medieval structure, with narrow alleyways, stone houses, and fortified walls that recall its defensive past. The elevated position and open surroundings give the town a distinctive skyline visible for miles across the countryside.
Cultural highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses a celebrated statue of Saint Euphemia attributed to Andrea Mantegna, and several elegant palazzi from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Church of San Francesco and the Civic Museum add to the town’s artistic interest. Irsina is also known for its traditional festivals and local produce, especially olive oil and bread, reflecting the agricultural heritage of inland Basilicata.
Cultural highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses a celebrated statue of Saint Euphemia attributed to Andrea Mantegna, and several elegant palazzi from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Church of San Francesco and the Civic Museum add to the town’s artistic interest. Irsina is also known for its traditional festivals and local produce, especially olive oil and bread, reflecting the agricultural heritage of inland Basilicata.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Irsina
- Historic centre of Irsina is perched on a hilltop in Basilicata, featuring narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and medieval walls. The town’s layout reveals its long history, with small piazzas and ancient churches nestled among traditional buildings. Panoramic views stretch over the surrounding valleys and farmland.
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta is the town’s main cathedral, notable for its Romanesque and Baroque elements. Inside, visitors find religious artworks, frescoes, and intricate altarpieces. The cathedral remains central to Irsina’s religious life and community events.
- Piazza Duomo forms the heart of Irsina’s social life, lined with cafés and local shops. The square hosts markets, festivals, and gatherings, offering a space to experience the town’s vibrant traditions. From here, visitors can admire the historic architecture and watch daily life unfold.
- Surrounding countryside walks lead through rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards typical of the Basilicata region. These routes provide opportunities to enjoy the rural landscape, spot local wildlife, and visit small farms. Walking here reveals the agricultural roots that shape Irsina’s character.
- Guided cultural and culinary tours explore Irsina’s history, architecture, and food traditions. Local guides share stories about the town’s heritage, festivals, and artisan products. These tours often include tastings of regional specialties such as bread, cheese, and wine, connecting visitors with the area’s culture.
Tours and Activities
Irsina Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Irsina Photo Gallery
Basilicata Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Basilicata
1. Matera
2. Craco
3. Maratea
4. Melfi
5. Pietrapertosa
6. Sant'Angelo Le Fratte
7. Venosa
8. Pollino National Park
9. Satriano di Lucania
10. Castelmezzano
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Basilicata
1. Matera
2. Craco
3. Maratea
4. Melfi
5. Pietrapertosa
6. Sant'Angelo Le Fratte
7. Venosa
8. Pollino National Park
9. Satriano di Lucania
10. Castelmezzano
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Basilicata
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Irsina
By Rail: Irsina has its own train station, Irsina-Montemilone, on the Rocchetta Sant’Antonio–Gioia del Colle line operated by Trenitalia. Regional services connect the town to Potenza in about 1 hour and 10 minutes and to Altamura in roughly 1 hour. The station is located around 4 kilometres from the town centre, with local bus and taxi connections available.
By Road: Irsina lies in the province of Matera, about 45 kilometres north of Matera. The drive takes approximately 50 minutes via the SS96 and SP8. From Bari, the distance is around 80 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SS96. The town is well connected by regional roads, and there is parking available near the old town and the main access routes.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Irsina lies in the province of Matera, about 45 kilometres north of Matera. The drive takes approximately 50 minutes via the SS96 and SP8. From Bari, the distance is around 80 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SS96. The town is well connected by regional roads, and there is parking available near the old town and the main access routes.
Nearest International Airports:
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Located about 90 kilometres northwest of Irsina, with a drive of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS96. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international connections.
- Brindisi Salento Airport: Situated approximately 160 kilometres southeast, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes by car via the SS7. It serves both Italian and European destinations.
- Naples–Capodichino International Airport: Around 200 kilometres west, with a journey time of about 2 hours and 50 minutes via the A16 motorway. It offers a wide range of international and national routes.
Private Transfers
Irsina Private Transfers
A private transfer provides an easy and comfortable way to travel to or from Irsina, ideal for reaching this hilltop town without the need to hire a car or navigate rural roads. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional local driver.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the most convenient air travel option, with road routes passing through the Murge Plateau and scenic countryside of northern Basilicata. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby towns such as Gravina in Puglia, Altamura, and Matera, or to other destinations across Basilicata and Puglia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the most convenient air travel option, with road routes passing through the Murge Plateau and scenic countryside of northern Basilicata. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby towns such as Gravina in Puglia, Altamura, and Matera, or to other destinations across Basilicata and Puglia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
