CASTELMEZZANO

At the foot of the spectacular rocky area of the Dolomiti Lucane is where one will find Castelmezzano, a City of the Valle del Basento (Basento Valleys), a few kilometres from Pietrapertosa.

History

The territory results as inhabited since ancient times by a Magno-Greek population who landed on the coastal area (V century BC) and founded the nearby centre of Maudoro.

Castelmezzano sprung up during the Longobard era as a stronghold to defend Longobard territories during their reign (VII century).
Castelmezzano was occupied by the Saracens (IX century) together with Pietrapertosa and Abriola, then re-conquered by the Longobards from the Principality of Salerno, who then destroyed it.

The Normans rebuilt Castelmezzano (XI century), constructed the Castle then assigned it to a certain Tommaso.
Under the Swabians (XIII century) it continued to prosper, so much so that Castelmezzano participated in the Ghibelline revolts against the Angioiniansans, who then became the new nobles of the South (1268).

The Angioiniansans made it a fief under Guglielmo de Tournespèe and later Roberto de Ponziano.
During 1310 it passed under the diocese of Potenza and in 1324 under Acerenza.

With the Aragonese ascension to the throne of Naples (1442), Castelmezzano was assigned to various families: Garlon d’Alife, Suardo, De Leonardis (1580) and the de Lerma Family (1686) who kept it until the abolition of Feudal rights (1806).

Following unification of the Reign of Italy (1861) and the fall of the Reign of the Two Sicilies, the phenomenon of brigandage fed from the spillages of Bourbonic troops was asserted. Due to its geographic position, Castelmezzano and its forests were the main places of refuge for the brigands.

A visit to the City

Castelmezzano enjoys a panoramic position which offers striking settings and the possibility of naturalistic excursions to its visitors.

In this noteworthy village one can visit the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church) dating back to the XIII century, which hosts a precious wooden statue depicting the Madonna with Child (XIV century). The Madonna delle Grazie Chapel is also interesting as well as the ruins of the town-walls and the Castle.

One can enjoy a visit to the Capperino torrent and admire the ruins of the ancient mills.

Not too far away, there is also the habitation of Campomaggiore, which consents striking visits to abandoned parts of the village.

Place of interest

S. Maria dell’Olmo Mother Church (XIII century); Remains of the Castle walls; Madonna delle Grazie Chapel (XV century); Ruins of the Castrum Medianum Castle; Regional Park of Gallipoli Cognato and Piccole Dolomiti; Dolomiti Lucane.

CASTELMEZZANO
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Basilicata region of Italy
 

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