Venosa
Welcome to Venosa: the city of Quintus Horatius Flaccus
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover a beautiful city in Basilicata? Today, I'll take you to explore Venosa, a municipality of 11,000 inhabitants located in the province of Potenza, in the Vulture-Melfese area.
Physical Geography
Venosa is located in the northeast of the region, on a plateau surrounded by valleys and hills, where lush vegetation can be admired. The altitude of the territory ranges from 177 meters above sea level to 813 meters above sea level, while the city center is located at an altitude between 400 and 430 meters above sea level. With its temperate-sublittoral climate, which provides hot summers and cold winters, Venosa can be visited in any season of the year.
Climate
In summer, the temperature can exceed 40°C, while in winter it easily reaches zero. Rain mainly appears in autumn and winter, while summer is the driest season of the year. Snow, on the other hand, falls every winter with an average of about 20 centimeters per year.
History
Antiquity
Venosa has a millenary history that begins since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains of a Neolithic necropolis found in the Toppo d'Aguzzo locality in Rapolla. Founded by Latin peoples, the city was conquered by the Romans in 291 BC and became a Latin colony, with around 20,000 inhabitants.
During the Second Punic War, the city was the backdrop for the Romans' events: here, the consul Gaius Terentius Varro took refuge after the Battle of Cannae (216 BC), while in 208 BC, the consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus died, attacked by Hannibal during reconnaissance. The city was settled by new colonizers after the Hannibalic War, in 190 BC the foundation of the Appian Way made it an important transit and commercial center.
The link with Quintus Horatius Flaccus
Venosa is also known for being the birthplace of Quintus Horatius Flaccus, one of the most illustrious poets of antiquity, born in 65 BC. In the Roman municipality, Horace spent his adolescence before emigrating to Rome where he became famous. In Venosa, it is possible to visit the house where the poet was born and the museum that tells his life and work.
The Middle Ages and the Modern Age
In the Middle Ages, Venosa was conquered by the Lombards and then by the Normans: it was Count William I of Altavilla who rebuilt the city and transformed it into an important commercial center, thanks to its strategic position on the Appian Way. In the Renaissance, Venosa became the seat of an important university, attended also by Francesco Petrarca.
What to see in Venosa
The Aragonese Castle
The Aragonese Castle is the symbol of Venosa, located in a panoramic position on the hill overlooking the historic center. Built by the Normans in 1100, it was enlarged and renovated in the 15th century by the Aragonese, who made it an example of military architecture.
The Historic Centre
The historic center of Venosa is rich with historic buildings such as the birthplace of Horace, the church of San Bernardino, and the Mariconda Palace. Strolling through the alleys of the historic center is a unique experience, merging history and art.
The Notarchirico Paleolithic Park
The Notarchirico Paleolithic Park is a nature reserve located near the center of Venosa. Here it is possible to admire the archaeological remains of an ancient Neolithic settlement, including numerous pit tombs.
Events and Festivals
The feast of San Rocco
Every year, on August 16th, the feast of San Rocco, the patron saint of Venosa, takes place. The celebrations include processions, fireworks, and musical performances.
The Mosciolata Festival
In the summer, the Mosciolata Festival takes place, a culinary specialty based on mussels and rice. The festival represents an opportunity to taste typical dishes of the Lucanian cuisine and to spend unforgettable evenings among local flavors and traditions.
Venosa is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, which is worth visiting to discover all its wonders. All that's left for you is to go on a journey and discover Venosa!
