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Castelmezzano

Description

A beautiful village in the province of Potenza, situated in the heart of the Lucane Dolomites, Castelmezzano has very ancient origins, dating back to Greek colonization of the coasts of Southern Italy, when between the VI and IV centuries B.C., some Hellenic colonies, penetrated into Basento valley and established a center called "Maudoro" (World of Gold). In the X century, because of the continuous Saracen invasions, the population was forced to find shelter in the most rugged areas, inaccessible for their enemies. The first stronghold is of the Lombard period, which was later enlarged and strengthened by the Normans that built a castle, contributing to the economic development of the village. In 1310 Castle Mezzano (named this way due to its location midway between the fortresses of Pietrapertosa and Brindisi Montagna) submitted the rule of the Parish of Potenza and then it was ceded to the one of Acerenza. With the Aragonese, the town was proclaimed fief and was domain of several families of local Lords, including the De Leonardis and the De Lerma.
Sites of Interest:
- the remains of the fortified walls and a staircase of the Castle "Castrum Medianum";
- the Church of Santa Maria dell'Olmo, dating from the XIII and in which houses a XIV century wooden statue, a wooden Baroque altar and the Holy Family, an artwork of the artist Girolamo Bresciano;
- the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, probably of Byzantine origins;
- the rural Chapel of the Ascension;
- the XVII century Chapel of Santa Maria Regina Coeli;
- the various noble palaces (Palazzo Merlino, Palazzo Parrella, Palazzo Coiro, Palazzo Paternò, Palazzo Campagna and the Ducal Palace of the De Lerma).

Map

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