Cersosimo
Greetings to Cersosimo: the small commune in the province of Potenza
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a small commune in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata, with a very peculiar name: Cersosimo. It is a truly fascinating place, nestled in the Sarmento Valley, on the border between the southwestern part of the province of Matera and the northeastern part of the province of Cosenza.
Physical geography
Cersosimo is located 548 meters above sea level, at the foot of Monte Castello, one of the most characteristic places in the area. Despite being a rather small commune, Cersosimo borders other very interesting towns such as San Paolo Albanese (only 6 km away), Noepoli (12 km away), San Giorgio Lucano (in the province of Matera, 16 km away), Oriolo (in the province of Cosenza, 17 km away), Alessandria del Carretto (in the province of Cosenza, 19 km away) and Castroregio (in the province of Cosenza, 36 km away).
Origin of the name
The name Cersosimo has a really curious origin that takes us back in time. It derives from the Byzantine monastery dedicated to Santa Maria di Kyr-Zosimo, of which there is already evidence in a parchment from 1043. This is kept in the Benedictine Abbey of Cava dei Tirreni and represents the first document that speaks of this extraordinary place. According to some scholars, the inhabited center was born precisely near the monastery.
History
The history of Cersosimo is really fascinating, as it hides many curiosities and interesting stories related to the populations that inhabited it over the centuries. The first site dates back to the 4th century BC, and was created by some Lucanian populations from the central Apennine area. This site was fortified and shows clear signs of Greek influence, so much so as to suggest that the Greeks were present in this area of the territory. In the 3rd century BC, with the advent of Roman presence, the site was abandoned. In the Middle Ages, on the other hand, there was a "reuse" of the site; around 1500 there was a resettlement of peasants at the foot of the hill as an "agricultural village". Later, around the year one thousand, the inhabited center was entrusted to the Benedictine monastery of Cava dei Tirreni, which contributed to the expansion of the territory and its influence on the area. Cersosimo then belonged to the Sanseverino and Pignatelli families, who valued the territory, enriching it with two churches and noble palaces.
Society and demography
Although today Cersosimo is a rather small commune, its history and charm have never been eclipsed. At the moment, the town has about 539 inhabitants, but over the years its demography has been quite fluctuating. However, the place has always shown great strength and vitality, and through SITA buses it is connected to other towns in the Sarmento Valley, such as Terranova di Pollino, San Paolo Albanese, San Costantino Albanese and Noepoli. It is also possible to reach Senise, from where the connections to Naples and Salerno depart.
Infrastructure and transport
Cersosimo, despite its rather isolated location, is well connected to the surrounding area, mainly through SITA buses and taxis, which provide a quick and functional service. Those who want to reach other places of interest, such as Salerno and Naples, can take the connection from the town of Senise.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a peaceful place a bit far from the chaos of the city, Cersosimo is a place where you can enjoy some peace and relaxation. Thank you for reading, and see you soon!
