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SENISE
Just inside the territory of the Pollino National Park is
where Senise is located, carefully positioned
on a slope that overlooks the Serrapótamo torrent in
the lake area of Monte Cotugno.
History
Senise already existed during the Imperial Roman era as shown
by the remains of a villa found in the San Filippo locality.
The fortunate find of the Gold of Senise, now in the National
Archaeological Museum of Naples, testifies instead the presence
in Senise of the Longobards (VII century).
The present day habitation came about higher up in the hills
during the Norman era when the Castle was built under the
dependence of the county of Chiaromonte.
After the arrival of the Angioiniansans the Convent and San
Francesco Church (1270) were built and the Castle was moved
to a higher position on the slope.
Over the centuries it was property of the following families:
Sanseverino, Pignatelli and Di Sangro.
During the XVIII century some nobiliary buildings were constructed
as symbol of the power of the bourgeoisie land land tenure.
The population actively supported the cause of the Unification
of Italy by sending a contingent of 300 people commanded by
Garibaldi (1860).
A visit to the City
Senise has a well preserved historical centre made up of
narrow streets and steps which form a labyrinth in which visitors
can easily get lost.
A visit to the San Francesco Church should not be missed as
it preserves frescoes in its interior dating back to the XIV
and XV centuries, a polyptych from 1523 and canvases from
the '700s.
There are many possible excursions in the beautiful Pollino
National Park and in the area of the Lake of Monte Cutugno.
Senise is the land of production of a famous quality of capsicum
called Zafarano.
Place of interest
The S. Francesco Church (1270); Chiesa Madre Bell Tower;
Municipal building; The Cloister of the San Francesco Church;
Cappuccini Church; Capalbo Tower (1600); Palazzo Barletta
(1700); Palazzo Marcone (1400); Palazzo Donnaperna (1200);
Palazzo Fortunato (1400); Lake of Monte Cotugno; Pollino National
Park; Chiaromonte; Noepoli; Ancient Greek city of Lagaria.
Events
Feast of S. Giuseppe on 19th March; Feast of S. Antonio on
13th June; Feast of S. Rocco on 14th, 15th and 16th August;
Feast of the Madonna of Viggiano on the second Sunday of September;
Feast of S. Lucia with a religious procession on 13th December;
Labour Day on 1st May; San Marco Celebration on 10th September;
Santa Lucia Celebration on 12th December; Capsicum Festival
in August.
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