The Region's Architecture
more perfect backdrops for more perfect pictures The architecture is
heavily influenced by four major historical forces: the Greeks (2500
BC), the Romans (500 BC), the Saracens, and the Catholic
Church (1100 AD +). Also, all the churches and
some of the hotels, villas and
castles included in this site are of major historical interest, some dating back
to the 12th century.
The I-map below provides
access to a sample of the important architectural treasures of the region.
Clicking on any picture will provide a larger view. Clicking the
names above the pictures will link you to the appropriate web pages which
will describe the region surrounding the subject of the picture.
The Ruins of San Severino
The remains of San Severino typify the architecture and layout of a town that
was established 1,000 years ago. The town occupies the crest of a very steep
hill that rises out of a particularly narrow portion of Gola di diavole
(The Devil's Gorge). The Mingardo river flows through the gorge, which starts in
Palinuro. Even a total novice in tactics of war would be able to see that
warriors who occupied San Severino would control the access to the broader
valleys at the interior end of the gorge. Today, tourists who are interested in
the history of Comunità Montana del Lambro e Mingardo can visit the abandoned
town to have a first hand view of how such towns played a part in the history of
the region.
The Hill Town of Morigerati
Morigerati was a fortress-village founded by the Morgetis, a very ancient
Italic people that settled in Lucany towards 2000 BC. During the Middle
Ages, Morigerati belonged to three powerful families of feudatories: the
Comites, the Del Pretes, the De Stefanos. In 1656, the population was
dreadfully decimated by the plague. In the 18th and 19th centuries some
interesting and remunerative forms of typical handicraft were flourishing:
wood work, wax processing, and brickworks. Nowadays in Morigerati, there
are two important places to visit: the ethnographic Museum founded in 1976
by the Florenzano sisters and the WWF Naturalistic Oasis.
The Hill Town of Rivello
Rivello lies on a hill. It is a national monument. It is
characterized by narrow streets, open galleries, portals and railing. To
be seen: Convent of Observant Minor Friars (XV century) and many churches
(S. Barbara, S. Michele dei Greci).
The town features the Medieval Bridge and the Chapel of the 9th century
dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo (within it you find a painting depicting the
Madonna with Child from the late 1500s); nearby is the old town
centre with its characteristic alleyways and churches (the Church of
San Nicola of Bari, in Romanesque style, containing within it a
crypt from 1300s; the Church of Santa Maria d
|
