Blanda, Archaeological site in Tortora, Italy

Blanda is an ancient city on the Palècastro hill at Tortora, in the province of Cosenza. After an earthquake around 70 BCE, the Romans rebuilt it on a grid plan with a forum, a basilica and three temples to the Capitoline Triad. The site covers only 5 hectares.

The settlement began as a community founded by early peoples in the 6th century BCE and later became a Roman city. It played a role during the conflicts between Rome and Hannibal in ancient times.

The name Blanda comes from the Lucanians, who rebuilt the hilltop village in the 4th century BCE; the epithet Julia was added under Augustus. Finds from the site, including a large quantity of Lucanian ceramics, are displayed at the archaeological exhibition in Tortora. A lithic stele and 38 Oenotrian tombs were also found here.

The site is mostly open and easy to walk through, with streets and foundations clearly visible on the ground. Bring sturdy shoes and sun protection, as there is little shade in the excavation areas.

Beneath the surface lie underground water channels and cisterns that once supplied the city and remain preserved under modern roads. These hidden systems reveal how carefully the Romans engineered their water supply network.