Forenza
Discovering Forenza: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Cuisine
Hello! Today I'm taking you on a journey of discovery to Forenza, a town in the province of Potenza in Basilicata. With its 1877 residents, Forenza is located north of the Lucanian Apennines, in the Bradano Valley.
Physical Geography
The territory of Forenza borders many municipalities, including Maschito, Acerenza, Banzi, Palazzo San Gervasio, Ginestra, Ripacandida, Genzano di Lucania, Filiano, Pietragalla and Avigliano. It is part of the Alto Bradano mountain community and is located in a hilly area, giving it a cold temperate climate with harsh winters and abundant snowfalls. Rainfall is frequent in autumn and winter, while summers are cool and dry.
History
Forenza has a rich history. Its name comes from Forentum, an ancient Sannite site mentioned by important writers of the time like Horace, Livy, Diodorus Siculus and Pliny the Elder. However, the current town is not in the same area as the ancient city. In fact, the inhabitants of Forentum built a new residential center on a hill not far away after suffering frequent external attacks.
During the IX century, the new settlement began to be inhabited. At that time, Forenza belonged to the duchy of Puglia and was dominated by the Byzantines and then by the Lombards. Later, it became a fiefdom of the Norman Empire and was subsequently dominated by the Angevins.
To visit the old town of Forenza, you have to cross the ancient Porta di San Pietro, one of the few remains of the Angioin walls of the XIII century. The historic center is well preserved and houses numerous churches, palaces and museums that tell the story of the town.
Events
Forenza is a lively and dynamic town with numerous events that enliven the year. One of the most important is the feast of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the town, which takes place on June 24th. During this feast, the streets of the old town are filled with music, dance, and popular traditions. In addition, every August the pepper festival is held, dedicated to the famous Lucanian vegetable and its numerous culinary variations.
Cuisine
Forenza's cuisine is simple but tasty, with typical dishes based on local products. Among the specialties to try are homemade orecchiette, braised lamb, and the famous peperone crusco, a dry and crunchy vegetable used in many dishes of Lucanian tradition.
Curiosities
If you visit Forenza, you cannot miss the San Martino tibetan bridge, a suspended pedestrian bridge that crosses the Bradano Valley at 130 meters high. Built in 2012, the bridge offers a breathtaking view of the valley and surrounding mountains.
In addition, Forenza has been chosen as a film set for many films and TV series, thanks to its beauty and ancient atmosphere.
Conclusions
In short, Forenza is a town to discover. With its millennial history, genuine cuisine, and local events, it is a corner of Basilicata that deserves a visit. I recommend including it in your next vacation in Italy to let yourself be won over by its authentic and welcoming charm!
