Rivello
Welcome to Rivello: an overview of the municipality
Rivello is an Italian municipality located in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata. The city has a population of 2537 inhabitants and covers an area of 68 square kilometers. As a hillside center, Rivello is located at an altitude of 479 m, but there are areas that range from 250 m above sea level to 1000 m above sea level. The city borders other municipalities in the province of Salerno and the town of Nemoli to the east, while Maratea and Trecchina are located to the south.
Let's explore the physical geography of Rivello
The territory
The city of Rivello is located in a medium-high seismic zone, but despite this, it is a place that offers natural beauties that attract tourists from all over the world. Thanks to its hillside position, the municipality boasts breathtaking views and a temperate climate typical of southern Italy. In addition, the city is surrounded by olive groves, oak and pine forests that give the landscape a suggestive appearance and a fresh and exciting air.
The climate
The climate of Rivello is classified as a climate zone D with a degree day of 1780. According to the average data of the period from 1961 to 1990, the average temperature of January, the coldest month, is +8.7 °C, while that of August, the warmest month, is +23.4 °C. This temperature makes Rivello a perfect destination for tourists looking for a mild climate during the summer.
Let's discover the history of Rivello
The origins of Rivello
The city of Rivello has a history dating back to the High Middle Ages, but there are many archaeological finds that show that the city has even older origins dating back to the pre-Roman period, up to the Lucanian city of Sirinos. Over time, the city was divided into two distinct districts, one upper and one lower, respectively inhabited by ''bardàv'ti'' and ''bardàsci''.
The name of the city
Rivello takes its name from an iterative formation "Re + Vallare" meaning to fortify again, from which a Late Latin ''Revallo'' is derived; from the analogy with "ripa", "riva" (which would give the intermediate form Rivallo) it might have brought, for metaphony A>E. Another probable etymological origin of the name of the city, instead, should be sought in a legend according to which the city of Rivello was renewed thanks to the help of the nearby Elea-Velia.
Rivello in the 18th century
Rivello was once a fiefdom of the Sanseverino, Ravaschiero and Pinelli families. However, the city redeemed itself, becoming a free city during the 18th century. The last feudal lord, Oronzo Pinelli, having no male heirs, agreed to relinquish the fief, but curiously, in the deed of transfer of the municipality stipulated in 1719 (''Restituta libertas''), in addition to 55,000 ducats, to be paid in installments with the relative interests, he agreed that every year they would have to give him and then his heirs, a certain amount of artisanal salami.
Conclusion
Rivello is a city with an ancient history that offers a stunning panoramic view and a typical climate of southern Italy. Thanks to its natural beauties and its history, Rivello attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.
