Castelmezzano
; Church of San Giovanni Battista: Located in the historic center of Castelmezzano, it was built in the 18th century in Baroque style. The bell tower is made up of an ancient Norman tower, dating back to the 12th century.
Civil architecture
; Norman Castle: Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, Castelmezzano Castle is one of the symbolic monuments of the city. Located on top of a hill, it offers a breathtaking view of the entire valley below. ; Palazzo De Leonardis: Located on Via Roma, the palace was built in the 17th century by the will of Giovanni Antonio De Leonardis, Baron of Castelmezzano. Today it houses the city hall.
Natural attractions
; Flight of the Angel: It is one of the most famous attractions in Castelmezzano, Flight of the Angel allows you to fly between the two cities of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa on a steel cable about 1,800 meters long. It is considered one of the most exciting and adrenaline-filled experiences in the area. ; Grotta del Pertusillo: Located a few kilometers from the town center of Castelmezzano, the Grotta del Pertusillo is one of the most important caves in Italy. Open to the public, it offers exciting underground paths among stalactites and stalagmites.
Culture and traditions
Castelmezzano is a village full of traditions and culture. During the summer period, numerous cultural events and traditional festivals take place. Among the most important are:
- Feast of San Giovanni Battista (June 24): It is the feast of Castelmezzano's patron saint. During the event, numerous religious and civil celebrations take place. One of the most exciting moments of the feast is represented by the traditional procession along the village's streets.
- Feast of Santa Maria dell'Olmo (last Sunday of September): During the event, a solemn mass is held in honor of Castelmezzano's patron saint, Santa Maria dell'Olmo.
- Truffle Festival (End of September): Organized over one or two days, the Truffle Festival is a culinary event that involves tasting dishes based on precious truffle.
Local cuisine
The cuisine of Castelmezzano is strongly influenced by local products. Among the typical dishes, we find:
- Lagane and ceci: It is a pasta dish that involves pairing lagane (a Lucanian specialty of short lasagna-shaped pasta) and chickpeas. It is a simple but very tasty dish.
- Crapiata: It is a sort of omelet prepared with potatoes, eggs, and peppers. A filling and intense flavored dish.
- Cavatelli with lamb sauce: Cavatelli is a pasta similar to orecchiette, often used in local cuisine. In this dish, the pasta is seasoned with a savory lamb sauce.
Conclusions
Castelmezzano is a small village nestled in the Lucanian Dolomites, characterized by a great variety of natural attractions, places of historical interest, and local culinary traditions. The enchanting beauty of the landscape and its ancient history make it an ideal place for a relaxing and stimulating vacation at the same time.
