Castelsaraceno
Welcome to Castelsaraceno: a journey through history and natural beauty
Castelsaraceno is an Italian municipality with 1,196 inhabitants, located in the province of Potenza in Basilicata. If you are looking for a place that combines natural beauty with history, Castelsaraceno is the right destination for you. Situated 916 meters above sea level, the town is characterized by altitudes ranging from a minimum of 702 m to a maximum of 1900 m.
The geography of Castelsaraceno
The town is located in the southwestern part of the province of Potenza and enjoys a wide view to the northeast towards an irregular valley. Castelsaraceno is surrounded by a horizontal line of ridges to the east, from which Tuppetto and Mount Asprella emerge. To the south, it is dominated by the majestic Alpi mountain and Mount Armizzone, followed by Armizzoncello.
To the west, there are Pietra Marina and Castelveglio. To the north, the massif of Raparo partially protects the town from the north winds. The historic center of Castelsaraceno is perched on a rocky spur called "La Tempa," an appendage of the Castelveglio hill (1152 m). The houses are supported on sloping rocks, giving the town a strong medieval character.
The history of Castelsaraceno
Castelsaraceno, a still little-known tourist destination, was built in 1031 by the Saracens as a lookout but was destroyed thirteen years later by an earthquake. After the Normans abandoned it, it passed under the dominion of the Mango di San Chirico, who donated it in 1086 to the Abbot of the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo. In the fifteenth century, it passed to the Carafa family and suffered hostilities and abuses. Later, it was dominated by the Sanseverino and followed the fortunes of numerous fiefs, ending up in the hands of the Picinni Leopardi barons, who were the lords of the place.
Monuments and places of interest in the city
Castelsaraceno boasts numerous architectural and historical works, including the 15th century Baronial Palace, the church of Santo Spirito from the 16th-17th century, which preserves a triptych by the painter D'Amato belonging to the Neapolitan School of Raphael and a polyptych on canvas depicting "San Leonardo" by the painter Ippolito Borghese. The church of San Rocco presents inside a valuable wooden statue of Beato Stefano Seno, while the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli is linked to the history of the city and the Capuchin convent is equipped with an artistic Christ.
Outside the town, in the locality of Mancusi, one can admire the ruins of an ancient water mill.
Demographic evolution
At the 2018 census, Castelsaraceno had 1,196 inhabitants. The town enjoys the tranquility of mountain life and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, with the possibility of hiking and outdoor activities.
Conclusions
Castelsaraceno is a still little-known tourist destination but overall offers many opportunities for leisure, and for history and natural beauty lovers, a visit to Castelsaraceno will be an extraordinary experience. Reaching the town is easy as the main communication routes, including the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway, pass near the city. Are you ready to go? Come and discover the beauty of Castelsaraceno and let yourself be conquered by its history and medieval charm!
