Brienza
Welcome to Brienza, an Italian municipality full of history!
Brienza is a municipality located in the province of Potenza, in the region of Basilicata. With a population of 3841 inhabitants, it is situated at 713 m above sea level. The city is located in the central-western part of the province, right on the border with the central-eastern part of the province of Salerno. But Brienza is not just a picturesque municipality, it is also full of history and culture.
Discover Brienza's physical geography and its borders
Brienza is located at the foot of the Basilicata hills and is surrounded by breathtaking nature. The municipality borders other municipalities such as Sasso di Castalda, Satriano di Lucania, Atena Lucana, Marsico Nuovo, Sant'Angelo Le Fratte, Sala Consilina, and Polla. Thanks to its strategic location, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
The history of Brienza
Brienza has a history rich in events, and it is believed that its origin dates back to the Lombard era, as suggested by the word "burg" (fortified place), from the Latin name Burgentia. The village developed around the Caracciolo castle in the old town after 1000. The priest Giuseppe Paternoster, who recounted the events of the place where he was born, said that "Brienza was called 'Burgentia' and one would not be wrong to believe that it may have been a group of burgansatic lands that later became feudal, or simply a village".
Chronology of Brienza: the birth of a village
Brienza was probably founded in the seventh century AD. The convent of San Giacomo was built during this period and held by the Benedictines. Later, the church of San Martino, dating back to the eighth century, was built on the hills of Brienza. The Treaty of Partition of the Duchy of Benevento in 849 brought Brienza into the possessions of Siconolfo, prince of Salerno, as the seat of a small gastaldato. At the end of the eleventh century, the Caracciolo castle was erected, which later the Angevins and then the Caracciolo would have restored. With the donation of the church of San Giovanni di Petra to the territorial abbey of the Santissima Trinità of Cava de' Tirreni by Gregorio, count of Capaccio, and his wife Maria, Brienza saw its first donated church. Later, the abbot of the Trinity of Cava, Pietro Pappacarbone, was given the church and monastery of San Giacomo di Brienza. In the twelfth century, the church of Santa Maria Assunta was built, and at that time there were also six parishes: Santa Maria Assunta, Santa Elisabetta, San Martino, San Zaccaria, and San Michele dei Greci. Over the centuries, the city has undergone several changes, but its unique and rich history has remained intact.
Brienza: a fair of culture and tradition!
Brienza is famous for its traditions, and every year unique cultural events take place, such as the Palio delle Contrade, which is held every year on June 29th on the occasion of the feast of San Pietro, the patron saint of the village. During this event, the contrade compete in a horse race and the winner receives a palio. In addition, Brienza is famous for its cuisine based on local products, such as dried figs, olives, pecorino cheese, and let's not forget the famous Aglianico wine. You can find numerous restaurants, trattorias, and bars that offer typical dishes of the culinary tradition.
Conclusion
Brienza is a municipality full of history, culture, and unique traditions, and this makes it a perfect tourist destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the nature and culture of Basilicata. The city offers a strategic position to visit not only the surrounding municipalities, but also the beautiful valleys and mountains of the region. Come to Brienza, discover its charm and fascinating history, we are waiting for you!
