Senise
Senise: a town with 6,522 inhabitants in Basilicata
Senise is an Italian municipality located in the province of Potenza, and currently has a population of 6,522. The city is located in Basilicata and extends over a territory ranging from 171 to 651 meters, with an elevation difference of 480 meters. The inhabited center of Senise is located at 432 meters above sea level, and was built on a triangular hill.
History of Senise
According to an old tradition, the city of Senise was founded by a knight from Siena during the Crusades. However, there is no evidence to support this, as archaeologists have found remains of a villa dating back to the Roman era. The city of Senise also hosted the Lombards in the seventh century, as evidenced by the National Museum of Naples. The current inhabited center of Senise was founded by the Normans, who built a castle to defend the valley below. In 1270, with the arrival of the Angevins, the Church and the Convent of San Francesco were built. The castle was later moved to a higher position, and the city developed following the morphology of the soil and medieval features such as the castle itself, the convent and the churches, with blocks arranged in terraces connected by a dense network of paths orthogonal to the contour lines. During the 16th and 18th centuries, the urban layout of Senise remained almost unchanged, with only a growth of the city center itself. During this period, noble-manorial palaces of the agrarian bourgeoisie born from the dissolution and abolition of feudal privileges were built.
Geography of Senise
The city of Senise is located in Basilicata and extends over a highly varied territory. The highest point of the city is located at 651 meters above sea level, while the inhabited center is at 432 meters. The municipal territory of Senise develops between Serrapotamo and Sinni, and the city is in a dominant position compared to the valley below.
Attractions in Senise
Senise is a city that boasts numerous attractions. Among these, the Castle of Senise, the Church of San Francesco, the Convent of San Francesco, the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Church of San Giovanni di Dio, the Diocesan Museum of Senise, the Crypt of San Giuliano, and the Frisari Palace stand out.
The Castle of Senise
The castle of Senise was built by the Normans to defend the valley below. Over the centuries it underwent many changes and renovations. In the 13th century, with the arrival of the Angevins, it was moved to a higher position and transformed into a fortress. Later, it became a prison and was used mainly during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Currently, the Castle of Senise has been restored and can be visited.
The Church of San Francesco and the Convent of San Francesco
The Church of San Francesco in Senise was built in the 13th century by the Angevins, along with the Convent of San Francesco. This religious borough is one of the landmarks of the city. The Church is very interesting from an artistic and historical point of view, as it preserves valuable frescoes and statues inside.
Other churches in Senise
In Senise there are many churches besides the Church of San Francesco. Among these, the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, dating back to the 14th century, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Church of San Giovanni di Dio, the Crypt of San Giuliano, and several other small churches scattered throughout the city stand out.
The Diocesan Museum of Senise
The Diocesan Museum of Senise is one of the most interesting museums in Basilicata. Inside the museum, it is possible to admire many works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects. Among the most important works are the high altarpiece by Antonio Stabile, the Madonna and Child by Domenico Morelli, the Annunciation by Pietro Sorrentino, and much more.
The Frisari Palace
The Frisari Palace is one of the noble-manorial palaces of Senise, located in the historic center of the city. The palace is one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Basilicata, and was built in the 17th century. The palace is now home to the Federico II Museum and owes its name to the Frisari family, who acquired it in 1723.
Conclusions
Senise is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Its historic center is among the most beautiful in southern Italy, and the many attractions in Senise offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. The city also does not disappoint from a scenic and geographic point of view: its plateaus, the two rivers that run alongside it, and the surrounding natural parks make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers. In any case, Senise represents one of the most beautiful cities in Basilicata and is definitely a destination not to be missed for anyone wishing to thoroughly explore this splendid Italian region.
