LAURIA
On the edges of the Pollino National Park, not too distant
from the Tyrrhenian coast of the Policastro Gulf, is where
one will find Lauria, an ancient centre situated
on the slopes of Mount Irino
History
Not much is known about the birth of this village which some
identify with ancient Lagaria, a pre-Roman centre, which in
reality was founded on the Tyrrhenian coast. Others consider
it as being the ancient Alci.
Its origins are probably linked to the arrival of Cretan refugees,
who around 400 BFC, founded Iriae, which was then changed
to Uria during Roman domination.
It was firstly destroyed by Pirro during the proverbial wars
with the Romans (280-275 BC), then by the Visigoths of Alarico
during 406 AD. Lauria was reconstructed in 460 and eventually
passed into the Eastern Roman Empire after the end of the
Ostrogoth Reign (553).
During the VII century, it merged into Longobard dominions
of the Longobard Principality of Benevento and suffered frequent
Saracen raids which eventually destroyed the village during
916.
Beginning from the X century it was seat of a community of
Basilian monks, then passed under Norman dominions the subsequent
century. It was eventually named Lauria by the Norman Guglielmo.
Over the centuries, it was fief of the following families:
Sanseverino, Xaraque and Ulloa y Lanzino.
During the clash between French and Bourbon troops, Lauria
was burnt and its Castle destroyed (1806).
A visit to the City
The City is divided into two parts by a cliff. In Lauria
Superiore (Upper Lauria), one can visit the Castle ruins and
the San Nicola of Bari Church, with its beautiful adjacent
bell tower from the XV century.
In Lauria Inferiore (Lower Lauria) one can visit the other
Cathedral, San Giacomo Apostolo, with its XIV century bell
tower, the Congrega dell’Immacolata Concezione Church
and the San Bernardino Convent.
The Santa Maria dei Martiri Church completes the visit of
religious buildings. This church preserves a deposition in
its interior (XV century).
Lauria is also ideal for those wishing to reach the ski slopes
of neighbouring Mount Sirino.
Place of interest
The Medieval Ruggiero Castle; Medieval Walls and Doorways;
Palazzo Viceconti, ex Episcopal seat; S. Nicola Matrix Church;
Madonna dell’Armo Sanctuary (pre-Roman); S. Antonio
Church and Convent (XV century); Convent dell’Immacolata
Concezione; S. Maria dei Martiri Church; S. Veneranda Church;
S. Pasquale Church; S. Giocome Matrix Church; San Bernardino
Convent; SS Trinità Church; Belvedere p.zza S. Giacomo;
Streams; Fiumicello; Caffaro; Torbido.
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