Calvera
Calvera: a small Lucanian village nestled in the valleys of Pollino
Calvera is a small Lucanian village located in the province of Potenza, with a population of only 353 inhabitants. The name of the municipality is said to derive from the Greek "Kalaurus", meaning "place where pure air is breathed".
A privileged location
Located at 630 m above sea level, Calvera is situated in the northern area of the Pollino National Park. Its location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pollino mountain range and is situated at the foot of Mount Mancino, surrounded by the Magrizzi-Cielagresti regional state forest, famous for its truffles and porcini mushrooms.
Calvera borders the municipalities of Teana, Carbone, Castronuovo di Sant'Andrea and San Chirico Raparo, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
An ancient history
The first mentions of Calvera date back to the Angevin era in 1280. In the 15th century, it became a fiefdom of the Sanseverino family and later of the Donnaperna family until the 18th century. In 1875, a major landslide destroyed much of the village and its main church dedicated to Saint Gaetano.
Places to visit
Despite its small size, Calvera boasts several places of interest and monuments:
- Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Church of Saint Gaetano
- Beniamino Mazzilli Palace
- Durso Palace (former Donnaperna residence)
- Salerno Palace
- Calabrese Palace
- Mobilio-Nocera Palace
- Bononati-Mobilio Palace
- De Nigris Palace
- Anamnesis photographic museum
- Vallone waterfalls
A unique culinary art
Calvera is famous for its "Cammino del mischiglio", a trail that crosses three other municipalities in the Serrapotamo valley (Teana, Fardella and Chiaromonte), named after the mix of wheat, fava beans and cereals typical of this region. This mix is used in many traditional local recipes and offers a unique and delicious flavour.
A growing local economy
Calvera is an integral part of the Alto Sinni Mountain Community, an organization that promotes and supports the growth of the local economy. Currently, agriculture is the main source of employment for most of the population, with olive oil and fruit and vegetable products being the most valuable products in the area.
A conscious administration
The Calvera municipal administration is continuously working to protect and preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the village and promote its enhancement.
Discovering Calvera
For those who want to discover the beauty of this small Lucanian village, there are several excursions that can be organized in the mountains, or visits to the famous Anamnesis photographic museum.
Calvera is a hidden gem of Basilicata, with a unique location, an ancient history and a culture unlike any other. Those who travel to this area cannot miss dedicating a few days to exploring its wonders and uncovering its secrets.
