Of ancient origin, the village of Anzi rises on Mount Santa Maria. Here is kept the fourth largest “Poliscenic Nativity” in Europe, made in 1997 by Antonio Vitulli, in plaster and recycled materials, which reproduces all the most beautiful views of Basilicata.
Among the places of worship, worth a visit are the Church of Santa Lucia in Romanesque-Gothic style preserving a painting by Pietrafesa, the Mother Church of San Donato, patron saint of the village, with a relic of the saint, the Church of San Giuliano of sixteenth-century origins, but remodelled over the centuries, and the current Church of Sant’Antonio, which in ancient times was the chapel of the Convent of the Minori Osservanti, with inside the valuable canvas of the Coronation of the Virgin by Pietrafesa.
A little outside the town is the Church of Santa Maria, a true artistic jewel that features a cycle of frescoes by Todisco dating back to the sixteenth century, particular and evocative also due to its dominant position on Mount Siri from which we can enjoy a spectacular view.
Also on Mount Siri it is worth visiting the Planetario Astronomical Observatory, which carries out didactic, technical and scientific activities thanks to the use of a powerful telescope. The Astronomical Observatory Planetarium (Planetario Osservatorio Astronomico) found here has a powerful telescope and a 12 metre wide dome with an artificial projection, making it possible to explore the universe. It may be necessary to pre-book depending on the day you visit so make sure to check before you go.
Guarding the village are the ruins of a castle dating back to the year 1000, from which it is possible to admire the entire valley, the Camastra Dam and the Ponte Fontanelle Lake.
