San Giorgio Lucano
San Giorgio Lucano: an enchanted village in Basilicata
San Giorgio Lucano is a small municipality located in the province of Matera in Basilicata, Italy. With its 1061 inhabitants, the village is situated on a hill overlooking the Sarmento valley, a tributary of the Sinni river. The village is located in the southern part of the province of Matera and borders those of the province of Potenza and the province of Cosenza. The area is part of the Pollino National Park.
Physical geography
San Giorgio Lucano is situated on the top of a hill at 416 m above sea level overlooking the Sarmento valley. The location is easily accessible by car from Valsinni (15 km), Oriolo (18 km), Nocara (19 km), Cersosimo (16 km), Noepoli (8 km), and Senise (12 km). The area is part of the Basso Sinni mountain community. The municipality borders the province of Potenza and Cosenza.
History
The origin of the name San Giorgio Lucano is uncertain. It could derive from the cult of San Giorgio, which is widespread in the area, or from the Albanian hero Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg. The village was founded in 1534 by Albanian immigrants who fled the Muslim occupation of their homeland. These settlers originally called their territory "Minullo" or "Minnuglio". In feudal times, it became a fiefdom of the State of Noia, now known as Noepoli. From the beginning of the 17th century, the prince of Noia Pignatelli favored the agricultural colonization of the territory, driving the Albanians out of the hamlet of San Giorgio and allowing the farmers of the neighboring villages to cultivate its lands. In 1810, San Giorgio became an autonomous municipality, and in 1863 the specification "Lucano" was added to distinguish it from other Italian municipalities with the same name. During the fascist period, the village was used as a place of confinement for personalities opposed to the fascist party, including the most important one, Camilla Ravera.
Monuments and places of interest
San Giorgio Lucano is a village rich in monuments and places of interest. Some of them are:
The Mother Church, dedicated to San Francesco d'Assisi: it was built in the second half of the 17th century and is characterized by valuable frescoes altered by the different restoration works of the church.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pantano, or degli Angeli: it was built starting from 1650 near the cave in Contrada Pantano, where a statue of the Madonna degli Angeli was found by a group of hunters. This chapel is located in a picturesque position and has been enlarged to accommodate pilgrims.
The Chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie: it was built in 1770 and is located near the village. It preserves a wooden statue of San Giorgio and is the location of festivities on the first Sunday of May.
Several noble palaces: including the 17th-century Zito Palace, Ripa Palace, and Silvestri Palace, the La Canna Palace or Rosaneto farm, previously owned by Chiaromonte's Carthusian Monastery, the Carlomagno Palace located on a cross street of Corso Garibaldi built in 1826, and the Cuccaro Palace on Corso Garibaldi from the late 18th century.
Archaeological areas: in various locations, including Sodano, Pallio, San Brancato, and Campo le Rose, necropolises and utensils belonging to the ancient Greek age have been found.
Conclusions
San Giorgio Lucano is a small village that offers many tourist attractions despite not being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Basilicata. Its panoramic location and the presence of numerous historical monuments make it an ideal destination for those who love cultural excursions. Visiting it is a great experience not to be missed if you are looking for a vacation outside the most popular tourist circuits.
