Latronico
Discovering Latronico: a small gem in Basilicata
Latronico is a municipality in the province of Potenza, located in the Basilicata region of Italy. With its 4,104 inhabitants, Latronico is a town with ancient charm, nestled among the mountains of the Southern Apennines and bathed by the Sinni River and the Fiumitello stream. In this article, we will explore more about the physical geography, climate, and history of this beautiful town.
Physical geography
Territory
Latronico is situated at an altitude of 888 meters above sea level and lies at the foot of the Alpi mountain, an imposing mountain of the Southern Apennines composed of three peaks named ''Santa Croce'', ''Punta del Corvo'', and ''Pizzo Falcone''. With an area of 75.98 km², the territory is predominantly mountainous, crossed by the Sinni River and the Fiumitello stream.
The urban structure of the town is "sprawling," with an upper part where the historical center, called ''Capadavutu,'' is located, and a lower part called ''Capabbasciu.'' In the area called ''Munisterio,'' there was a Jesuit convent in ancient times.
Latronico borders the municipalities of Episcopia, Castelluccio Superiore, Castelluccio Inferiore, Lauria, Carbone, Castelsaraceno, and Fardella.
Climate
In the territory of Latronico, there is the Latronico meteorological station, recognized by the World Meteorological Organization, as a reference point for the study of the climate that characterizes the Southern Apennines.
Based on the climatic averages of the period 1971-2000, the average temperature of the coldest month, February, is +4.2 °C, while that of the warmest month, August, is +20.8 °C. On average, there are 30 frost days per year and 4 days with a maximum temperature of 30 °C or higher. The extreme temperature values recorded in the same thirty years are -9.4 °C in January 1979 and +34.8 °C in August 2000.
The average annual rainfall is 981 mm, typically distributed in 91 rainy days, with a minimum in summer, a peak maximum in winter, and a secondary maximum in autumn. The average annual relative humidity is 73%, with a minimum of 65% in July and maxima of 80% in November and December. On average, there are 12 days with fog per year.
History
There are different opinions on the derivation of the name Latronico: some argue that it derives from two Greek terms meaning "hidden place," while others claim that it is a derivation of the Greek term ''Latomia'' (stone quarry, which the town still possesses) with the addition of the suffix -ico.
The town has a rich history, still preserving its ancient character today. It has been inhabited since the prehistoric period, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological finds. During the Middle Ages, Latronico saw the passage of several populations, including the Normans and the Lombards.
In the 17th century, the town underwent significant development thanks to the construction of the Convent of the Franciscan Friars and the oratory of San Rocco. During the nineteenth century, Latronico underwent another important development, thanks to the construction of significant religious buildings, including the mother church of San Nicola di Bari.
In the twentieth century, the town became an important tourist center, thanks to the beauty of its territory and architecture. Today, Latronico is a place where tradition and modernity blend, satisfying both tourists and residents.
Conclusion
Latronico is a small gem in Basilicata, one of the rare towns in Italy where you can still breathe ancient and rural atmosphere. Thanks to its mountainous location and the beauty of its territory, the town has become an important tourist center. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you won't regret it!
