Lagopesole
Welcome to Lagopesole: the Swabian hill in the province of Potenza
Dear readers, today I will talk to you about Lagopesole, a geographical fraction of Avigliano in the province of Potenza with a population of 721 inhabitants. Lagopesole is a historic location known for its Swabian past, linked to the figures of Frederick II of Swabia and his son Manfred of Sicily. Additionally, the fraction is famous for the events related to the bandit leader Carmine Crocco.
The physical geography of Lagopesole
Lagopesole is located on a hill 829 meters above sea level and overlooks the Vitalba Valley. From the top of the hill, you can admire Mount Vulture. Once, the fraction had a lake called "Lago Pesole." The area around Lagopesole is rich in oak, pine, and chestnut forests.
The climate of Lagopesole
The climate in the Avigliano area is of the continental type. The winters are cold and characterized by abundant snowfall, while the summer enjoys mild temperatures.
The history of Lagopesole
The origin of the name Lagopesole derives from the presence of Lake Pesole, which was drained in the early twentieth century. In the past, Lagopesole had a military function to control the Herculean road, which connected Melfi to Potenza. The center was conquered by the Saracens, who began construction of the castle. The structure was enlarged by the Normans and hosted Roger II in 1129, Pope Innocent II, and Emperor Lothair II of Supplimburg.
During the Swabian period, Lagopesole was the hunting residence of Frederick II of Swabia, who had the castle enlarged from 1242 to 1250. His son Manfred of Sicily stayed here several times between 1259 and 1265. Later, the fraction declined and became a fiefdom of the Caracciolo in 1416 and the Doria in 1530. During the banditry, Lagopesole was besieged by the bands of Carmine Crocco, and the castle became their refuge. After the end of World War II, Lagopesole lost the race to become an autonomous municipality from the city of Avigliano, which chose Filiano.
The places of main interest in Lagopesole
The Castle of Lagopesole
The castle of Lagopesole, attributed to Frederick II of Swabia, was probably built between 1242 and 1250. However, some believe that it dates back to the Norman or even Saracen era. The castle has a unique peculiarity among all those attributed to Frederick II of Swabia: the presence of a real church inside. The Romanesque architecture of the church is austere and has been restored in recent years of the twentieth century, restoring it to its former glory.
Lagopesole is an ideal place for excursions in unspoiled nature and for lovers of medieval history. If you have the opportunity to visit this fraction of the province of Potenza, do not hesitate to do so and enjoy the nature and history that Lagopesole has to offer.
