Montescaglioso
Hi! Today, I'll talk to you about Montescaglioso, an Italian municipality located in the province of Matera, in Basilicata. It is an important historic and cultural center, famous for its four monastery complexes, including the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo.
Physical geography
Territory
Montescaglioso is located on a hilly relief at 352 meters above sea level and extends over 176 km². The territory is part of the Matera Murgia Park, which includes about 8,000 hectares, of which about 3,500 belong to the municipality of Montescaglioso. It borders Matera, Ginosa, Pomarico, Miglionico, Pisticci, and Bernalda.
Climate
Montescaglioso's climate is characterized by the average hills of Matera, with hot summers and cold winters, with average rainfall around 600 mm per year.
Origins of the name
Montescaglioso was called ''Civitas Severiana'' in the early Middle Ages but later changed to ''Mons Scabiosus'', which translates to "Scabby Mountain", referring to the rugged and harsh nature of the territory, or to ''Mons Caveosus'', which translates to "Caveoso Mountain, rich in caves".
History
Origins
The first settlements in the territory of Montescaglioso date back to the 7th century BC, as evidenced by significant archaeological finds found on the hills surrounding the Bradano River.
The largest and most important settlement corresponds to the current inhabited center of Montescaglioso, where the remains of an ancient temple and a Roman theater date back to the fourth century BC.
The Middle Ages
With the advent of the Middle Ages, Montescaglioso became part of the Lombard Principality of Benevento and the Byzantine Empire. Subsequently, in the 9th century, it passed under the control of the Saracens, who were expelled by the Normans after their conquest of Puglia.
During the Norman period, Montescaglioso enriched itself with important monuments, such as the splendid Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, dating back to the 11th century.
Modern and Contemporary Age
During the 16th century, Montescaglioso became part of the Kingdom of Naples and underwent significant urban transformations, such as the construction of new churches and palaces.
During World War II, the city suffered significant destruction, and the population was forced to abandon their homes. However, after the war, Montescaglioso quickly recovered and today is a flourishing city continuously growing.
Traditions and Culture
Montescaglioso is famous for its carnival, one of the most important in the region. The first official attestation of the carnival dates back to February 7, 1638, but the tradition could be much older. Moreover, the city is known for its religious and devotional cult towards the patron saint of the town, Rocco di Montpellier, whose patronage dates back to 1684.
Honorary Title
On January 9, 2004, Montescaglioso received the honorary title of City of Italy with a decree from the President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.
In conclusion, Montescaglioso is a city with ancient origins and rich history and culture. If you are in the area, don't miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful city!
