Grumento Nova
A Brief Guide to Grumento Nova
Hello friends, I want to introduce you to a beautiful Italian municipality called Grumento Nova. Located in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata, it has about 1559 inhabitants. Before being called Grumento Nova, the municipality was named Saponara di Grumento, or simply Saponara, and its inhabitants were called saponaresi. The city is located in a valley in the central-western part of the province, at about 780 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by other municipalities such as Moliterno, Sarconi, Tramutola, Viggiano, Montemurro, Spinoso and Marsicovetere.
The History of Grumento Nova and its Inhabitants
The city of Grumento Nova was founded in 954 AD, when a colony of inhabitants from Grumentum fled their city due to Saracen invasions. The city of Grumentum was definitively destroyed in 1031, while the survivors settled in the new city and called it Saponaria. Saponaria grew and developed over the centuries thanks to the noble families who ruled the territory, such as the Altavilla and Sanseverino families. The latter were the owners of the city until 1806.
Over the years, the citizens of Grumento Nova have participated in various rebellions and liberal movements, demonstrating their resilience and determination. In 1857, the city was destroyed by an earthquake that caused over 2000 victims. Following the unification of Italy, the city experienced the phenomenon of brigandage like many other Italian cities. However, the citizens of Grumento Nova continued to fight and defend their city with all their might. Finally, with a royal decree in 1932, the municipality assumed the name of Grumento Nova, which is still in use today.
Grumentum: The Ancient Roman City
Near Grumento Nova are the remains of the ancient Roman city of Grumentum, of which the archaeological area with the national archaeological museum of Alta Val d'Agri can be visited. This place is truly amazing and represents an important part of the history of Grumento Nova. Visitors can admire the remains of an amphitheater, a theater, a temple, a Christian basilica, an aqueduct, mosaics, and numerous other ancient works of art. A visit here is a unique experience that I highly recommend for anyone who loves history and art.
Illustrious Figures
Grumento Nova has given birth to many illustrious personalities such as Antonio De Cilla, active in the Risorgimento events, and Giulio Cesare Giliberti, a participant in the movements promoted by the patriot Giuseppe Mazzini. Today the city continues to produce talented and appreciated people in various fields, from literature to music, from science to politics.
Conclusion
In summary, Grumento Nova is a fascinating city with a rich and passionate history. Its inhabitants are brave and determined people who have known how to defend their territory through the centuries. The city is an ideal place for anyone who loves history, art, and culture. I recommend visiting it and discovering all the treasures it has to offer. Thank you for reading this far, I hope I have convinced you to visit this splendid municipality!
