Abbey of St. Mary of Barsento

The very ancient Basilica of Barsento is a real jewel of Apulian architectural heritage. The Abbey is bordered by Barsentum and offers the possibility of celebrating religious rites. It was erected in 591 AD by the monks of Sant'Equizio at the behest of Pope Gregory the Great. The building stands in a dominant and pleasant position on the apex of a small hill overlooking the Pyrrhic Canal. The church is in the Romanesque style with a basilica form. It represents, because of its age and characteristics, a rare example not only in Apulia but also throughout Italy. The facade is flanked by a small bell tower. The interior, which presents visitors with bare, whitewashed walls, preserves its original forms almost intact.