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HISTORICAL INFORMATION
TOURIST ROUTE
NATURE, SPORTS AND FREE TIME
The name Lauria has several possible etymological origins: one hypothesis is that it derives from the Latin Laurus which means "laurel", a plant also used in the coat of arms of the City; another is that it derives from the contraction of the Latin words Laurus and Iriae; the last is that it is linked to the term laurion, with which the Byzantines indicated the container for oil, placed under the press. The origins of Lauria are still uncertain today due to the almost total absence of sources until the late Middle Ages. In fact, a first reliable document is dated 1079 and is the famous Bull of Alfano (Archbishop of Salerno), which defined the reconstruction of the diocese of Policastro of which the city was once part. We can however assume that the first inhabited nuclei can be traced back to the Greek-Cretan colonization (5th century BC); In fact, two important cities were founded in the surrounding area: Seleuci to the north-west and Blanda Yulia on the Tyrrhenian coast (now Tortora). After their destruction, flows of refugees settled on the hills that make up the urban site of Lauria. Only in the medieval era, however, did the town follow a development that defined its shape and characteristics: first of all, the division into two districts, Castello (Upper) and Borgo (Lower), which over the course of history would undergo different events and influences. As regards the lower district, for example, the arrival around the year 1000 of a group of Basilian (Byzantine) monks, fleeing from Arabized Sicily, was fundamental. By settling permanently, they fully integrated into the social fabric of the community. They are credited with building an imposing monastery in the San Filippo area, of which, however, no trace remains. In the Middle Ages, Lauria became one of the most important fiefdoms in the South, especially thanks to the most famous of its feudal lords, Ruggero di Lauria (Lauria or Scalea 1245 - Cocentaina 1305), a loyal follower of Peter III of Aragon. Noble families disputed and obtained control of the fiefdom of Lauria: the Sanseverinos, the Borgias, the Exarques and the Lanzina y Ulloas, who governed until 1806, the year of the abolition of feudalism. The Renaissance and the Enlightenment are eras to which Lauria is linked by two names: Lorenzo Brancati (Lauria 1612 - Rome 1693), a cardinal who in 1689 was close to being elected Pope (as successor to Innocent XI); Nicola Carlomagno (Lauria 1761 - Naples 1799), one of the architects of the constitution of the Parthenopean Republic (1799), victim of the legitimist reaction, hanged together with the other revolutionaries in Porta Capuana in Naples. The history of Lauria is the history of the dominations that followed one another in Southern Italy: Byzantine, Norman, Angevin, Spanish; but it is also, unfortunately, a history of invasions and destruction: Pyrrhus in the 3rd century BC; Alaric, king of the Visigoths, in 406. But the tragedies of which the greatest historical memory is preserved are the sack of Lauria by the French troops of General Massena (7-9 August 1806) with more than a thousand deaths and the Allied bombing of 7 September 1943 which caused around forty victims. Today Lauria has around twelve thousand inhabitants and is a city intent on relaunching the potential of a valley, that of the Noce river, of which it has been a protagonist over the centuries. Its coat of arms depicts a basilisk clinging to a laurel plant and at the bottom is the Latin motto Noli me tangere ("Do not touch me"), the meaning of which underlines the pride and untouchability of its inhabitants.
Walking along the historic center you are literally enchanted by the typical signs of the medieval era revealed starting from the remains of the Ruggero Castle, built on the Armo rock in the Cafaro neighborhood, the oldest in the town. Other historical traces can be found near the old town that has preserved the signs of its ancient origins in the houses clinging to the hill, in the beauty of the noble palaces, in the characteristic alleys and in the intricate streets, which in turn climb up forming arches, porticoes and harmonious architectural motifs. The presence of sacred architecture distributed between the Upper and Lower parts is noteworthy. Lauria is the birthplace of Blessed Domenico Lentini, Patron Saint of the city, beatified by Pope John Paul II, who defined him as "a true example of life for all humanity". Every neighborhood, every alley preserves, in its ravines, a chapel, a shrine, a votive corner. Of notable workmanship are the mother churches of the two districts: the Diocesan Sanctuary of Blessed Domenico Lentini and San Giacomo Maggiore Apostolo. There is no certain information on the foundation of the two churches, since much documentation was destroyed in the fire of 1806 by Napoleonic troops. Currently, the Diocesan Sanctuary of Blessed Domenico Lentini, after various destructions and renovations, has a longitudinal Latin cross plan, on the main façade three limestone portals from 1894 and an imposing bell tower, composed of two elements. The style of the building is eclectic, but the most significant stylistic imprint is Baroque. The interior has three naves, with a large transept and a deep rectangular apse. The church also boasts the presence of the mortal remains of Blessed Domenico Lentini. Originally the Parish Church of San Giacomo was not dedicated to the Apostle, but probably to San Matteo and only around 1500 San Giacomo became the protector of the City thanks to a Spanish Countess (wife of a Sanseverino). The Church currently has a Latin cross structure, with three naves, of which the central one had a large semicircular apse that was demolished in the early 1900s to build the current provincial road. The bell tower dates back to the Baroque period, but the majolica covering of the spire shows a Moorish style. Inside both Churches it is also possible to admire works of great artistic and religious value created by Pasquale Iannotta, Mariano Lanziani and Emilio Larocca. The two convent complexes are also very interesting: the Convent of the Capuchins (17th century) and the Convent of the Immaculate (16th century), the latter with a cloister of notable workmanship. There are numerous little churches and chapels of artistic interest, among which we cannot forget San Pasquale Baylon (16th century, with a precious majolica floor) and Santa Veneranda (among the oldest in the country): the latter two are located in the Cafaro district. To the left of the Castle, in a panoramic position over the entire Noce Valley, stands the Sanctuary of the Assumption, a synthesis of Romanesque (the bell tower), Baroque (the altar) and Renaissance (the portico) styles; the 17th century Neapolitan school paintings kept inside are also beautiful. The historic center of the city is embellished with gems set in stone: scrolls and keystones that distinguish the portals of the houses and buildings in the city. Some depict the coats of arms of the families who owned the properties, others depict masks or mythological animals (such as the Basilisk, symbol of Lauria) and were placed to protect the house. Of singular beauty is the mask that can be seen in via Cairoli in front of the Marangoni palace, a building whose construction date is 1585.
Set in one of the most picturesque landscapes of the Southern Apennines, between the Pollino National Park and the Lucanian Appennine National Park, the territory of Lauria offers visitors very suggestive environmental contexts, among the most beautiful in the whole of Basilicata, many of which are recognized as SIC (Sites of Community Interest) and included in the Natura 2000 Network.
Sirino: a large limestone massif that represents a large water reserve from which four important rivers flow (Sinni, Noce, Calore and Maglie) and which preserves some of the southernmost glacial cirques in Europe. From the highest peak, known as Monte Papa (2005 meters), snow-capped for most of the year and a destination for hikers or simple enthusiasts of the high mountains, in every season you can admire a breathtaking landscape and on the clearest days even the Aeolian Islands and Etna. Mount Sirino offers the opportunity to practice both winter and summer sports such as trekking on foot or on horseback, skiing, snow-trekking, short walks on foot and by bike. In the spring-summer period you can also use the equipped area.
Mount La Spina: a bare limestone spire (hence the name "Spina") characterized by the precious and rare presence of the Bosnian Pine. Mount La Spina is an important reserve for the bioavailability of flora and fauna. In autumn the slopes are painted with a thousand colors, in spring you can witness wonderful blooms and among the mammals it is possible to observe the Apennine wolf.
Lago della Rotonda: a treasure chest of uncontaminated nature and all to be explored. The body of water that is fed by the rains that fall on the slopes of Mount La Spina and Serra Rotonda, undergoes strong fluctuations throughout the year, so much so that the lake can freeze in winter and dry up completely in summer. It is a place that transmits peace and tranquility, "a lake that is not there", characterized by the presence of black pines and numerous bird species during migration, among the most important specimens the rare and elusive black stork has been observed.
Bosco Canicella: a large beech forest that extends to the slopes of Mount Sirino and represents the connecting element between the two national parks of Pollino and the Lucanian Apennines but, above all, an unmissable destination for mushroom lovers that innumerable sprout in these parts. The forest is connected by paths with the nearby locations where it is possible to practice all the winter and summer eco-tourism activities. In the spring-summer period you can use the equipped area.
The territory of Lauria offers the possibility of practicing various outdoor activities without straying far from the urban center.
Lucana cycleway: section of the “Ciclovia della Magna Grecia”, one of the ten national tourist cycleways that extends for about 35.5 km, starts from Lagonegro and descends in a south-east direction, crosses the territory of Lauria and ends at the Rotonda-Viggianello station. The greenway develops almost entirely along the old route of the former Lagonegro-Spezzano Albanese railway and crosses a context of undoubted naturalistic and cultural value with small mountain villages rich in historical and archaeological evidence.
Falesia Fabio Limongi: A climbing route consisting of 20 routes where you can challenge yourself and put yourself to the test, with one of the most adrenaline-filled experiences that can be practiced in the area.
BLESSED DOMENICO LENTINI
SMALL PATH OF SANTIAGO
EVENTS AND FLAVOURS
Historical-religious itinerary that winds through the alleys and the oldest and most characteristic paths of Lauria and which from year to year attracts more and more pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts, even from neighboring towns and regions, for growth and media knowledge that it aroused interest among illustrious men of culture and university personalities. The route has a total length of approximately 13 km with an altitude range from 380m to 687m above sea level. It does not present any difficulty and is therefore suitable for everyone. We start from Piazza San Giacomo and continue along the route marked by special signs. As with the Spanish path with the typical yellow arrow, it will be possible to visit churches, chapels, monuments, cross the former Calabrian-Lucan railway which has now been redeveloped and converted into a cycle path and enjoy breathtaking views and uncontaminated nature. Specifically, you will encounter the S. Gaetano and S. G. Battista Chapels, the Piazzetta dell'Ammiraglio, the War Memorial, the Monument to San Giuseppe di Copertino and the Church of S. Maria dei Suffragi, the Chapel of S. Veneranda, the remains of the Church of Santa Maria della Sanità, the Edicule of the Madonna del Carmine, the Chapels of Sant'Elia (a place where it is also possible to admire a beautiful panorama) and S. Giuseppe, the Iron Cross (our Cruz de Fer) , the Chapel of the Divine Shepherd, the Chapel of San Ferdinando, the Mother Church of San Nicola di Bari today the Diocesan Sanctuary of Blessed Domenico Lentini, the House of Blessed Domenico Lentini, the Chapel of San Pasquale, the Ruggero Castle, the Sanctuary of the Madonna Assunta , the Chapel of Santa Veneranda, the Municipal Palace, and then closing in the Mother Church of San Giacomo Apostolo Maggiore.
Lauria is strongly linked to its religious traditions. Among the most important festivities we remember the feast of Blessed Domenico Lentini, patron saint of Lauria, which is celebrated on February 25, the celebrations in honor of San Nicola (May 9), San Giacomo Apostolo Maggiore (July 25) and Madonna del Carmine (first Sunday in August). There are also numerous cultural, sporting and volunteer initiatives that qualify the social life of the city. Of absolute importance are: the Mediterranean Award, an event that combines culture and entertainment in order to celebrate the beauty of this land and give voice to those who work tirelessly to enhance the entire territory; the Dawn Concert, an event in which the energy of light and the evocative power of music merge in the suggestive location of the Sanctuary of the Madonna Assunta from which you can enjoy an incredible view; the Palio del gusto, a real jovial competition for the tastiest dish in which the districts of Lauria compete, surrounded by a gastronomic route based on typical products, which winds between the two main squares of the lower district and the ancient shops of Corso Cairoli; Vini a Lauria, the initiative that intends to enhance the wine excellence of the region and promote the culture of "good drinking" by tasting the fine wines of the Lucanian cellars in the squares of the upper district colored by suggestive projections and themed installations; MalErbaFest, a festival in which music is the protagonist and which becomes a showcase for young emerging musicians of the area in the characteristic setting of the Bosco Canicella. No less rich is the gastronomy. A rustic cuisine that conquers all palates, where the callousness of homemade pasta, the aroma of grilled or oven-cooked meat, local cheeses and cured meats and desserts dominate. Private initiative has kept the tradition of typical products intact with the production of exquisite cured meats such as the renowned and tasty soppressata, homemade sausages, ricotta and fresh and mature cheeses, as well as honey, wild strawberries, mushrooms, chestnuts, oil and wine. Other products are homemade wheat bread, the famous “pizzatuli”, “sanguinaccio”, “piccidatu”, “mustaccioli”, “zeppole”, “crespelle” and the typical dried fruit. There are various first courses: “maccaruni filati” (fusilli), “lagane e fasuli” (tagliatelle and beans), “rascatiddi” (gnocchi). Among the second courses, the following are worth tasting: “gliummariddi” (offal rolls), village tripe and soup with pork rind and beans. Some biscuits are also delicious, such as the “pizzetti”, the “viscuttini”, covered with a soft layer of “naspro” made with sugar and egg white, or the “anginetti”, shaped like donuts, cooked first in water and then in the oven to make them crunchy, then covered with a sugar and lemon glaze; according to tradition, these are the typical biscuits for brides. Also included among the typical products are the famous eight-shaped taralli called viscuttu a’ otto and gassosa, a carbonated soft drink produced locally since 1906.
Almost two centuries after his death, a true phenomenon of clear and profound popular devotion, sure and not fantastic, contained but heartfelt towards the figure of an exemplary priest, who intensely lived all the dimensions of his priestly identity, Domenico Lentini, proclaimed Blessed by John Paul II on 12 October 1997, is handed down in Lauria. The historical context in which he lived and worked saw him committed to the human and social promotion of his people. In a period in which there were no public schools in Lauria, his humble little house became a training ground for the cultural and moral formation of young people. A man of synthesis, with an undivided heart and a strong inner balance, he was able to combine faithfulness to God and man in a period marked in Europe by the French Enlightenment and Revolutionary ferments, by the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, events that had a strong relevance in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and therefore also in Lucanian land, then under the dominion of the Bourbon dynasty and which saw Lentini engaged in a great peacemaking work between monarchists and republicans. Thanks to his multiple commitment in the religious, social and educational fields and for his clear human and Christian testimony, Lentini has profoundly marked the history, culture, customs and life of the City of Lauria, which considers him one of its greatest sons. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Beatification, October 12, 2022, the Lentinian Jubilee Year was proclaimed and, furthermore, on the same date, the church of San Nicola di Bari was elevated to the "Diocesan Sanctuary of Blessed Domenico Lentini".
PAT
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Italian traditional agri-food products (PAT) represent a unique cultural and gastronomic heritage for Italy. Recognized for their authenticity and for their deep connection with the territory and local traditions, they are promoted by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (MIPAAF), through an annually updated list, in order to allow their knowledge at a national level and abroad. The PAT recognition protects products "obtained with methods of processing, conservation and maturing consolidated over time, homogeneous throughout the territory concerned, according to traditional rules, for a period of no less than twenty-five years". Lauria boasts four traditional agri-food products: the Anginetto, characterized by a soft consistency and a delicate flavor; the Viscuttu a' otto, crunchy, perfect to be enjoyed with a glass of local wine or local soda; the Pizzetto, known for its particular shape and unique taste and the Viscuttino, a simple but delicious biscuit, prepared with local ingredients and according to recipes handed down from generation to generation. These products are a perfect example of how culinary traditions can be preserved and enhanced, helping to keep alive the culture and identity of a community.
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