Town in the province of Potenza, situated on a rocky outcrop guarding the river Sinni, Episcopia (whose name has clear Greek origins) developed during the Middle Ages, thanks to the hard work of certain Byzantine monks, that arrived in the area to escape from iconoclastic clashes . During the Norman ages a castle was built, later expanded and strengthened with round towers at the times of the Swabian domination. Its inhabitant remained faithful to the County under the rule of the Chiaramonte Family and belonged to several feudal families, such as: the Carafa, the Marquis della Porta, the Brancalossi and the De Salvo.
Not to miss:
- the Convent and Church of St. Anthony, built in the X century and remodeled in Baroque style. Inside it is possible to admire fine stucco decorations and Baroque bas-reliefs and the coats of arms of the local nobles of the area buried here;
- the Sanctuary of Madonna del Piano, a former Cistercian monastery built on an existing Basilian monastery entitled to San Lorenzo (X century). Within are preserved precious Renaissance frescoes (the Last Judgement and the Creation), a XVI century balustrade and a coffered ceiling;
- the Mother Church of St. Nicholas, which houses a XVI century canvas of the Annunciation and a painting depicting the Black Madonna;
- the XIII century feudal Castle, which was expanded in later centuries;
- the several palaces (Palazzo Verderosa, Palazzo Guerrieri, Palazzo Frabasile, Palazzo De Salvo, Palazzo Cocchiaro-Frabasile).