Castelluccio Superiore
Castelluccio Superiore: an enchanted village in the Lucanian Apennines
If you're looking for a place to find peace and the beauty of nature, Castelluccio Superiore could be your ideal destination. This Lucanian municipality, located in the province of Potenza, is a refuge in the Southern Apennines Mountains.
Physical geography
Castelluccio Superiore is perched on a rocky spur, at an altitude of 680 meters above sea level. The village overlooks the Valle del Mercure and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Massiccio del Pollino. Despite its mountainous location, the municipality is only 23 km from the Tyrrhenian coast, where you can find places like Maratea and Tortora.
Origins of the name
The history of Castelluccio Superiore dates back to the time of the Sanseverino, who built a castle controlled by Captain Lucio. Over the centuries, the village underwent many transformations, but the name of Castelluccio remained as a symbol of its ancient grandeur.
History
After the suppression of feudalism, Castelluccio Superiore acquired the administrative autonomy that it still retains today. The historic center of the city preserves the enchantment of the medieval village, with its eight neighborhoods that constituted the points of aggregation of the population.
In 1998, an earthquake of magnitude 5.6 caused significant damage to the historic village. However, thanks to meticulous restoration work, Castelluccio Superiore has recovered and today is an enchanting place where time seems to have stopped.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center of Castelluccio Superiore is a treasure to discover, with its characteristic alleys and ancient churches. Among the main religious monuments are the mother church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, the church of the Madonna di Loreto, and the church of the Madonna di Costantinopoli. There are also numerous chapels dedicated to saints, including Sant'Antonio Abate, San Sebastiano, and San Francesco.
But Castelluccio Superiore also offers interesting ideas for nature lovers. The Bosco Difesa is a very well-known naturalistic area, where you can hike along the trails and admire the local flora and fauna.
Conclusions
Castelluccio Superiore is a magical and suggestive place, where time seems to slow down, and you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and history. If you're looking for a peaceful and authentic place, this village in the Lucanian Apennines is definitely your ideal destination.
