Castronuovo di Sant'Andrea
Welcome to Castronuovo di Sant'Andrea: the Municipality of Potenza province
Castronuovo di Sant'Andrea is a small Italian municipality located in the Potenza province, in Basilicata. With a population of only 928 inhabitants, this picturesque town is located at about 650 meters above sea level, in the southeastern part of the province. If you love landscapes, you will find this municipality a very interesting tourist destination. Castronuovo borders other municipalities in Basilicata, including Roccanova, Teana, Chiaromonte, Calvera, and San Chirico Raparo, which offer a complete cultural experience for those visiting this area.
Origin of the name
The name Castronuovo is of medieval origin and appears for the first time in a parchment from 1059 concerning the spiritual testament of Luca II, abbot of the Monastery of Saints Elia and Anastasia in Carbone. In 1863, the municipality added the specification "di Sant'Andrea" in honor of Andrea Avellino.
History
According to recent historiographical discoveries, Castronuovo may have been built by the Romans during the civil wars around 70 BC. During this period, the rebel Spartacus, during the battle of Chiaromonte, descended into Lucania to defeat his enemies. It is said that some neighborhood names like ''Celomanico'', ''Spadarea'' and ''Ardara'' were given by the Romans to remember battles between them and Spartacus. However, there is no trace of these events in ancient historiography. Very important archaeological finds found in the districts of Marcellino and Battifarano, adjacent territories to the current town, show that the area, between the sixth and third centuries BC, was occupied by Romans who built military fortifications here to keep the indocile local population in check.
The foundation of the current site of Castronuovo dates back instead to the period of the first barbarian invasions, around the 5th-6th century AD. The population settled in the surrounding countryside occupied the current area of the town, developing, for security reasons, the mechanism of the typical fortification of other inhabited centers of the southern hinterland.
Since the Norman era, the feud of Castronuovo has been the property of several noble families of the time. Granted by Bohemondo I to Hugo di Chiaromonte, a member of one of the most influential families in the southern Italy of the time, it remained the property of his successors until the fifteenth century when Margaret, the last descendant, brought it as a dowry to her husband Giacomo Sanseverino, Count of Tricarico. From the documents relating to the administrative activity of the lands owned by this family, it appears that the Sanseverino family, during the years of possession of the lands of ''Castello Novo'', as they are identified in the aforementioned documents, sub-infeudated them to various lords of the area.
Living in Castronuovo
Castronuovo is a very quiet and picturesque municipality that offers an authentic experience of southern Italy to its visitors. Here you can taste delicious food and walk around the streets around the historic center. The town is divided into four districts: "Barriera", "Matinelle", "Fortino" and "San Nicola". In 1929, Castronuovo became the headquarters of the Provincial Psychiatric Hospital "San Paolo", which has contributed significantly to the local economy.
Events and traditions
The town is known for its traditions and annual celebrations that are a unique attraction for tourists. Among these events, there is the celebration of the patron saint of Sant'Andrea, with fairs, exhibitions, and popular games, and the Holy Easter with the traditional procession of the statue of the Risen Christ through the streets of the town. Castronuovo is also famous for its productions of bread, lard, and sausage.
In conclusion
In summary, Castronuovo di Sant'Andrea is a quiet and picturesque municipality of the Potenza province located in the Basilicata region. The town is characterized by its rich history and local traditions, including the celebration of the patron saint of Sant'Andrea and Holy Easter. The town is divided into four districts with a unique and authentic atmosphere. If you are looking for an authentic Italian life experience, Castronuovo is the right place.
