Calvello
The Beauty of Calvello
Hello friends, today I will talk to you about Calvello, a wonderful Italian municipality with 1739 inhabitants, located in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata. Calvello is a place of great charm, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, which show all their majesty and splendor when the sunlight illuminates them.
Geographical Location
Calvello is in the central-northern part of the province of Potenza and borders Abriola, Anzi, Laurenzana, Marsico Nuovo, Marsicovetere, and Viggiano. The territory is characterized by the Agri river, which bathes the entire area and offers a precious source of water that favors the growth of flora and fauna.
The History of Calvello
Calvello is a place rich in history and culture, whose first documentary attestation dates back to 1089. At the time, Norman, the 11th count of Marsico, donated to Rado, abbot of Santo Stefano in Marsico Nuovo, the churches of Santa Caterina "iuxta fluvium" and San Nicola near the Castle. This represented a moment of economic, social, and cultural growth for the local community. Later, the community was influenced by the location of two poles: one secular-feudal, upstream, and the other religious, downstream. The Benedictine presence continued with the foundation of the priory of Santa Maria de Plano, dependent on Marsico Nuovo, and the construction of the monastery of San Pietro a Cellaria, carried out by the monks of the Congregation of Abbazia di Santa Maria di Pulsano.
In the Swabian age, the lord of Calvello was Gentile de Petruro, who owned the castle, which was one of the 29 castra and domus regi of Basilicata, listed in the Statutum de reparation castrorum issued by Frederick II of Swabia around 1240. In the last thirty years of the thirteenth century, with the Angevins, in Calvello, as in other lands of the southern kingdom, feudatories from France succeeded each other.
Monuments and Places of Interest
One of the main attractions of Calvello is the Castle, which over time has been described as a castellum in the Norman period, a castrum in the Frederickian and Angevin periods, and a palace during the time of the Carafa ducal family, who took over in the sixteenth century from the Sanseverino family. The castle is an impressive architectural work, situated in a strategic position on the hill and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Moreover, Calvello offers many other attractions, such as the Cathedral of San Nicola, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, the Church of San Rocco, and the historic center. The latter is characterized by narrow streets and stone houses, which create a welcoming and unique atmosphere.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Calvello is a fascinating place where nature and culture perfectly blend. Its beauty, its historical past, and the monuments are just a few reasons why it is worth visiting this municipality. If you have the opportunity to travel to Italy, do not miss the chance to discover the wonders of Calvello!
