Poggiorsini
Welcome to Poggiorsini: a town with ancient origins
Hello friends! Today I will talk to you about Poggiorsini, a charming Puglian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Bari. Known as "Paggiarsìne" or "Poggiorséine" in Poggiorsinese dialect, this city has a population of about 1,290 inhabitants. It is the least populated urban center with the lowest population density in the metropolitan city, but despite that, it offers many natural and historical treasures to discover.
Let's discover the physical geography of Poggiorsini
Poggiorsini is located at an altitude of 460 m and is surrounded by the cities of Genzano di Lucania, Gravina in Puglia, and Spinazzola. Its municipal territory extends for about 43 km² and is entirely included in the Murge plateau. The urban center overlooks the valley of the Roviniero stream, a tributary of the Basentello. The countryside of Poggiorsini is rich in olive groves, vineyards, and fields cultivated with cereals. Moreover, among the spontaneous vegetation, it is possible to admire more than 50 species of wild orchids.
A brief history of Poggiorsini
The territory of Poggiorsini has ancient roots, already inhabited since ancient Paleolithic times thanks to the presence of perennial water sources such as the Latrigna fountain, the D'Ogna fountain, and the Roviniero and Capo d'Acqua streams. Archaeological findings at the settlements of the rock system called Grottellini and the Garagnone Castle testify to this.
In the Middle Ages, its territory belonged to the feudal domain of Castel Garagnone and belonged to the Altavilla of Andria. Over time, the construction of various castles, including Garagnone Castle, determined the toponym of Monte Folicato. Over the years, this toponym was replaced by that of Macchia Vetrana (Macula Veterana), due to the rich spontaneous vegetation that covered the hills and the ditch around Poggiorsini. Only in 1609 did Poggiorsini take the name Poggio degli Orsini, from its owners. They built the Ducal Palace (1723-1727) and the church dedicated to Mary Most Holy of the Seven Sorrows (1726-1727) with an attached cemetery, mill, oven, and slaughterhouse. Only in 1808, with the disappearance of feudalism, Poggiorsini became a fraction of Gravina in Puglia. However, only in 1957, under the prefectural commissioner Vladimiro Borino, did it obtain administrative autonomy.
A multicultural society
53 foreigners live in the Poggiorsini municipality. The largest group is Tunisian, with 26 citizens. The Poggiorsinese dialect belongs to the central Apulian dialects and derives almost entirely from the nearby dialect of Gravina in Puglia. However, it differs slightly due to its proximity to the Lucanian border.
Infrastructure and transportation
To reach Poggiorsini, you can travel along the 655 Bradanica state road. Moreover, it is possible to arrive at the Poggiorsini station by train.
Administration and twin towns
Poggiorsini is considered a "European municipality" thanks to its twinning with some European centers interested in pilot projects for integrating primary activities with those of tourism and culture.
In conclusion, Poggiorsini is a city rich in history and nature, ideal for those who want to escape the frenzy of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Apulian countryside. Thanks to its strategic position and multicultural culture, it is a welcoming place for all visitors. Come and visit Poggiorsini, and you will be greeted with the unique warmth of Puglia!
