Rabatana, Medieval neighborhood in Tursi, Italy
Rabatana is a medieval neighborhood sitting on a hilltop in Tursi, surrounded by deep ravines and linked together by narrow stone pathways. The houses are tightly clustered and form a tangled network of lanes and staircases that wind across the slope.
The settlement was founded in the 5th century by Gothic settlers who built a castle, which later attracted Saracen inhabitants around 850. This early period shaped how the neighborhood was organized for defense and survival.
The name Rabatana comes from Arabic words meaning a fortified settlement, and this heritage is visible in the dialect and in how the houses are built around tight courtyards. Walking through the neighborhood, you notice how the layout reflects a past when these spaces needed to offer protection and cool shade.
Access to Rabatana is through a steep stairway called the Petrizze, which is quite demanding to climb. Wearing comfortable shoes and allowing plenty of time to navigate the many steps and narrow passages is important for a comfortable visit.
Within the neighborhood stands the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, whose facade dates from the 15th century while its foundation is much older. This blend shows how the place evolved over centuries while keeping its original character.
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