TEANA
On top of a hill that dominates the Valley of the Serrapótamo
Torrent, close to Calvera and Chiaromonte, is where Teana
stands, an ancient centre of Greek foundation, now in the
interior of the Pollino National Park.
History
Teana was already founded during the Greek era and was probably
linked to the Pythagorean School which was active in the area
during the VI century BC.
The present day habitation was reborn during the X century
under the Longobards who erected the Castle; its ruins can
still be visited in the village.
Basilian Monks escaping from persecution perpetuated in the
Orient beginning in the VIII century, founded the two monasteries
of S. Basilio and S. Filippo.
Under the Normans it merged into the county of Chiaromonte
(XI century) and into the diocese of Acerenza.
During the High Medieval period it became a fief of the Sanseverino
of Bisignano family who kept it under th end of 1343, the
year it passed over to the Missanello family through marriage.
Teana prospered until the XVI century when some events of
famine and earthquakes stopped its development and threw its
citizens into poverty.
In 1693 a terrible fire, which gravely damaged the Castle
and village, added to its misfortune.
During 1770 Teana passed to the Donnaperna of Senise family
who kept it until Unification into the Reign of Italy (1861).
Teana was noted for its silkworm cultivation.
A visit to the City
The remains of the Longobard Fortress which dominates the
historical Medieval centre is still present in Teana, from
where one can enjoy a panoramic view over the surrounding
territory.
Among the churches one should visit, we would like to cite:
the Madonna del Carmine and the S. Cristofaro Chapel.
In the centre, a visit to the Museum of Civiltà Contadina
and to admire Palazzo Lecce is also possible.
There are numerous naturalistic excursions possible in the
territory of the Pollino National Park and neighbouring Lake
of Monte Cutugno.
Place of interest
The remains of the Longobard Castle; Madonna del Carmine
Church; S. Cristofaro Chapel; Madonna del Carmine Chapel;
Palazzo Lecce; Moreto and Serra Woods; Torrent in the Vallone
locality; Panoramic spots in the Castello locality; Serrapótamo
and Sammarelle Torrents; Pollino National Park.
Museums
The Museum of Civiltà Contadina (Peasant Civilization).
Events
Feast of San Biagio on 3rd February; Feast of San Biagio
on the 4th Sunday of May; Feast of Sant'Antonio and the Madonna
delle Grazie on 8th and 9th of August; Festival of ascatiell-lagane
and cicer in August.
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