Corleto Perticara
Welcome to Corleto Perticara, an ancient village in Basilicata
We welcome you to Corleto Perticara, a charming municipality in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata. This village of about 2,319 inhabitants is located at an altitude of 757 meters above sea level, in the fascinating Val d'Agri, on the border between Potenza and Matera. Let's discover together the beauty of this mountainous area, from its lush nature to its ancient places of interest.
The physical geography of Corleto Perticara
The territory
Corleto Perticara is located in a privileged position, surrounded by lush forests of oak, beech and white fir. These incredible forests blend with the presence of chestnut groves, hazelnut trees and fir and cedar woodlands. But it's not just nature that makes this area unique: the landscape of Corleto Perticara is characterized by clayey badlands that head southeast. Thanks to the presence of numerous water sources, the area is rich in biodiversity and represents an important destination for hiking and nature lovers.
The climate
The air here is very healthy and dry, with an annual average of 70-80 days of rain.
Origins of the name
The toponym Curlètə derives from the Latin ''cŏry̆lētum'' (hazel forest); the name Perticara, instead, refers to an ancient Roman castrum placed on the top of a steep relief called Serra Perticara, overlooking the town center of Corleto Perticara.
History
On the development of the municipality
The history of Corleto Perticara is ancient, dating back to the twelfth century, but there are not many sources available to reconstruct its history. It is known that there was an ancient Norman fort here, which was almost entirely destroyed by American bombings during the German retreat in 1943. However, thanks to some archaeological excavations near the main square of the village, remains of Roman foundations and medieval limestone slabs were found.
The testimonies of Guardia
Of great historical and cultural interest are the testimonies that can be found in Guardia Perticara, a site located about 11 km from Corleto Perticara. Here you can admire some Romanesque churches including the church of the Madonna di Loreto, the imposing Federician Tower, and ancient sulfur mines.
Exploring the territory of Corleto Perticara is like taking a journey back in time, discovering ancient cultures and civilizations. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this area of Basilicata.
