Bussento Valley

• The bell tower of XI century is actually beautiful. On the walls of the wide corridor with barrel-vault there are the emblems of some bishops that lived in Torre Orsaia and the monumental coat of arms of the Episcopal Palace, summer seat of the Bishop, in Torre Orsaia
• Santa Maria Assunta Church, with a small XVIII century containing the relics of San Felice Martire. To the church belongs the wonderful silver cross (now at Museo Diocesano of Policastro Bussentino), in Tortorella
• The monastery of Sant’Angelo in Pittari and San Michele Arcangelo is actually interesting. There are ancient evidences of a Italian – Greek sanctuary where san Fantino lived
• Museo Diocesano of Policastro Bussentino with important works of art, for example a wonderful ivory Crucifix; paintings and silver objects, in Santa Marina
• Santa Maria della Croce church is actually beautiful: form the parvis visitors can admire a wonderful panorama. The church has a main altar made of polychrome stucco: the altar is made on two levels, a higher level with angels and a lower one with wreaths and fruits, symbols of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ, in Santa Marina

According to a naturalistic interpretation the name Bussento comes from the “bosso”, that is box, a typical plant of this region, with a strong and precious wood, used to make musical wind instruments.
Bussento territory is like a terrace on the Mediterranean sea, inhabited by many populations: Greeks, Romans, Greek monks, Longobards, Normans.
This territory took part to the Italian Risorgimento.

by Stefania Maffeo