MARSICOVETERE
Marsico Vetere is situated in a panoramic
position in Val d’Agri. It is an ancient and characteristic
village on the southern slope of Monte Vulturino.
History
Its name derives from the Marsi, the first population to
settle in the territory around the IV century BC founding
Abellinum Marsicum.
What is for certain is that Lucani settlements from the pre-Roman
era and the VII century have been discovered in the Pedale
le Grotte locality.
Some villas were built during Roman times and the VII century
and were called Vetere, after the foundation of Marsico Nuovo.
During the VIII century, Basilian monks arrived and built
the S. Elia and S. Giovanni monasteries.
With the arrival of the Normans (XI century), the village
was fortified and a castle was constructed. In 1135 it became
the property of a noble called Adamo de Avenella.
The Swabians gave the village to Riccardo Filangieri and with
the advent of the Angioiniansans (1268) it became the fief
of Goffredo de Trizzarello.
Under the Aragonese, Marsico Vetere passed hands to Giovanni
Caracciolo (1498) whose family ruled it until 1777. During
1782 feudal power freed.
The population adhered to the Carbonari Motions of 1820, the
Renaissance ones of 1848 and finally the Unitarians during
1860.
Seismic activity gravely damaged the village during 1857.
After Unification, it also experience the plague of brigandage
and migration across the ocean.
A visit to the City
Marsico Vetere is divided into two suburbs: Villa d’Agri
and Barricelle.
Its position offers visitors beautiful panoramic glimpses.
In the village, the Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro and Paolo
is noteworthy. It preserves a wooden sculpture of the Madonna
with Child (XIV century).
In the older part of Marsico Vetere, one can visit the Medieval
Tower, some nobiliary buildings, among which we’d like
to point out Palazzo Piccinini.
Just outside the habitation, one can visit the S. Maria of
Constantinople Convent (1571).
In the valley of the village, one can visit a Necropolis from
the IV century BC.
Place of interest
The SS Peter and Paolo Chiesa Madre; Medieval Castle Towers
(XI century); Palazzo Piccinini; Palazzo Ziella; Palazzo Tranchitella;
Osservanti Convent (1343); S. Maria of Aspro Convent; S. Marie
delle Grazie Church; Franciscan Convent of S. Maria of Constantinople
(1571); Necropolis (IV century BC); Naturalistic excursions
to Monte Volturino; Excursions to the village of Tramútola.
Events
S. Giuseppe Bonfire on 18th March; Feast of San Giuseppe
Artesian on 1st May; Feast of San Bernardino of Siena on 20
May; Feast of Sant’Antonio Abate in Villa d’Agri
on the first Sunday in June; Feast of the Madonna Lignea on
4th August; Procession of the Madonna dell’Assunta on
13th and 15th August; Feast of San Rocco on 16th August; Feast
of the Madonna Addolorata on 20th September.
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