TOLVE
A short distance away from Vaglio, where the ancient Appian
Way curves towards Tricarico and Matera, is where one will
find Tolve, an ancient Medieval centre defended
on a cliff and dominated by the remains of its ancient Castle.
History
Rupestrian incisions and the remains of villages testify
to the presence of man in the area of Monte Moltone beginning
during the Neolithic period. The presence continued both in
the Bronze and Iron Ages, also due to the important strategic
position of the hill.
In this way the remains of an important Hellenistic villa
emerged dating back to the IV century BC, which was abandoned
during the III century following a fire. It could probably
be linked to the plundering carried out by Hannibal’s
troops during the Second Punic War (end of the III century
BC).
The cessation of conflict between the Carthaginians and Rome
led to new development in the region and of Tulbium.
The following remain from the Roman period: a villa in San
Pietro and a Roman bridge known by the name of Ponte del Diavolo.
Tolve was then fortified and became an important stronghold,
firstly of the Goths (V century) and then the Longobards (VI
century), who also constructed the Castle. The village was
cited in a Rotari (Rothari) edict (22nd November 643).
The Longobard dominium definitely ended during the X century,
as recorded in a Vatican document which cites Byzantian Tolve
(1001). In turn, the Byzantines abdicated in favour of the
Normans (XI century), who assigned it to the county of Tricarico.
Under the Swabians, Tolve belonged to Count Calvano, maternal
uncle of Manfred, son of Frederick II and Bianca Lancia.
Under the Aragonese (XV century), Tolve was fief of the following
families: Pignatelli, Brayda (1575), Gian Matteo Rinaldi,
Jovene and once again of the Pignatelli (1677).
In 1799, the village adhered to the Republican Revolution
and in 1860 adhered to the Unitarian motions which led to
the birth of the Reign of Italy (1861).
A visit to the City
The Arco delle Carceri or the Arco delle Torri in the village
is remarkable. It opens up in the Medieval defensive walls
allowing visitors access to the historical nucleus of Tolve.
Here one can visit the 15th century San Pietro Church, with
its beautiful portal, the San Nicola Church of Byzantine foundation
and the San Rocco Church.
Annexed to the defensive walls one can admire the San Francesco
Church which preserves paintings from the Baroque era in its
interior.
On top of the hill dominating the village one can visit the
Medieval Castle remains, of Longobard foundation.
Place of interest
The Castle remains; Carceri Arch; Octagonal Fountain from
the '800s; San Francesco Convent (1400); San Nicola Church;
S. Pietro Church ('400s); San Rocco Church; Purgatorio Church
(IX century); Roman Bridge; Ponte Vecchio of Ponte del Diavolo;
Hellenistic Villa from the IV century in the Monte Moltone
locality; A visit to Vaglio Basilicata; a visit to Cancellara;
a visit to Irsina.
Events
Feast of Sant'Antonio on 13th June; Feast of the Madonna
del Carmine on 16th July; Feast of San Rocco on 16th August;
Feast of San Rocco on 16th September; Feast of Santa Lucia
on 13th December.
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