St. Basil's Castle

Situated on a hill surrounded by olive groves along the provincial road leading from Pisticci to the sea, San Basilio Castle boasts a history of more than 1,000 years.Originally built by Basilian monks during the Norman era, the castle was later donated by the Benedictine community of Santa Maria del Casale. In the second half of the 16th century, it came under the jurisdiction of the Carthusians of Padula until the abolition of ecclesiastical fiefs. Later, the structure was purchased by Marquis Ferrante of Ruffano and is currently owned by the Berlingieri family, which manages the masseria-castle.The original structure was built around a central cloister, which overlooked important rooms of the castle, such as the refectory, kitchen, dormitory, archive, library, church and chapter house. On the entrance portal are three stone coats of arms, two small ones on either side and a larger one in the center, representing the coat of arms of the Berlingieri family. Of particular importance and interest is the square tower, dating from the Norman period, between the 10th and the first half of the 11th century.The Castle of San Basilio, the best preserved defensive building in the territory of Pisticci, is the protagonist of stories, both real and legendary, dating back to distant times. One of these tells of the alleged sojourn of the Knights Templar in the castle, who are said to have stayed for a few months while waiting to undertake the long journey to the Holy Land. Another story handed down from generation to generation speaks of a secret route known only to the feudal lords, winding from the castle to the monastery of Madonna del Casale in Pisticci, some 17-18 kilometers away.