A village to be discovered, between churches and ancient traditions, Salandra

Salandra - Today we are in Salandra, a town located 598 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Matera land. Salandra is a place steeped in ancient history, but also a land with a strong religious sentiment. The village was in fact known with the name of 'Convent of the Reformed Fathers' or 'of San Francesco'; at the foot of the town stands the Convent of Sant'Antonio, built in 1452 and home to the University of Theology, Philosophy and Fine Arts.

A romantic cloister is located inside. The church dedicated to Sant'Antonio da Padova is part of the convent complex. Many masterpieces are also preserved within these sacred walls: we admire one of the oldest organs in Italy, dated 1500; different works by the painters Antonio Stabile and Simone from Florence. There are many religious and folkloristic events organized during the year, an example is the event dedicated to the end of the Christmas holidays during which bells are rung in honor of St. Anthony. Even the beginning of the Carnival is a propitiatory moment: among songs, dances, masks and food you can see the bell of the central church ringing, a tradition with ancient origins, a symbol of fertility.