Oliveto Lucano
Welcome to Oliveto Lucano: a small gem nestled in the natural park of Gallipoli Cognato - Piccole Dolomiti Lucane!
We are pleased to introduce you to the medieval village of Oliveto Lucano, located in the province of Matera in Basilicata, where 360 inhabitants live. The village is located on a small hill surrounded by olive plantations that frame the lush natural park of Gallipoli Cognato - Piccole Dolomiti Lucane. The original name of the village is Ulëvètë and it is characterized by the presence of an important archaeological area called Petre de la Mola and a rich forest.
The location of Oliveto Lucano
Oliveto Lucano is located in the north-western part of the province of Matera, and is in fact adjacent to other beautiful locations in Basilicata. To the north is Calciano, to the east Garaguso, to the south San Mauro Forte and to the west Accettura. The Medio Basento mountain community includes it among its member municipalities.
A brief history of Oliveto Lucano
The origins of Oliveto Lucano date back to the Middle Ages, a period in which the development of the village began. It had a strong connection with agriculture, particularly with the cultivation of olives and the production of oil, from which it is said to derive its name. Over the centuries, the fief passed from family to family and several noble families succeeded each other, such as that of Gerolamo de Lerma, the last baron of Oliveto Lucano. In 1735 the village had about 200 inhabitants. However, with the unification of Italy, emigration became an increasingly widespread phenomenon due to poverty and economic backwardness.
The symbols of the municipality
The flag of Oliveto Lucano is a split white and yellow flag and the municipal coat of arms was granted by decree of the President of the Republic in 1978.
The monuments and places of interest in Oliveto Lucano
The village of Oliveto Lucano offers numerous places of interest, including the Mother Church dedicated to Madonna delle Grazie, an example of Romanesque architecture with three naves embellished with three bronze altars and a canvas with the image of the Immaculate Conception. During your visit, you will be seduced by the Bacchus doors, characteristic wooden doors of the cellars located along the Grotte street and built with geometric modules by local artisans between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A few kilometers from Oliveto Lucano, you cannot miss the ruins of the archaeological area of Monte Croccia, the remains of an ancient Lucanian city that arose between the 6th century BC and the 4th century BC and of which some stretches of arch walls are visible. The megalithic complex called Petre de la Mola, located near the top of Monte Croccia, will attract the attention of visitors eager to discover the ancient ritual and practical use of this past construction.
Greetings from the community of Oliveto Lucano
Our community is proud of the history that the village represents and is committed to preserving the artistic and cultural heritage that we possess. The May festival, an ancient arboreal rite of pagan origins inserted in the religious festival of Tascio Cecilio Cipriano, the protector of Oliveto, is the occasion when the community gathers and celebrates tradition in the best of atmospheres, warmly welcoming our visitors who are eager to discover and get to know Oliveto Lucano. We look forward to welcoming you!
