Laurenzana
Laurenzana | |
---|---|
Comune di Laurenzana | |
Coordinates:40°27′35″N15°58′15″E/ 40.45972°N 15.97083°E | |
Country | Italy |
Region | Basilicata |
Province | Potenza(PZ) |
Government | |
• Mayor | Michele Ungaro |
Area | |
• Total | 95 km2(37 sq mi) |
Population (1996)[2] | |
• Total | 2,246 |
• Density | 24/km2(61/sq mi) |
Demonym | Laurenzanesi |
Time zone | UTC+1(CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+2(CEST) |
Postal code | 85014 |
Dialing code | 0971 |
Patron saint | Beato Egidio; Madonna del Carmine |
Saint day | Last Sunday of May |
Website | Official website |
Laurenzana(Lucano:Laurenzànë) is a town andcomunein theprovince of Potenza,in the region ofBasilicata(southernItaly). It rises on a spur between the torre Camastro and the wood surrounding the Serrapotamo valley.
History
[edit]Laurenzana's origins probably date from the 12th century when theNormansdecided to build a fortified village in this area due to its strategic position. In 1268 Laurenzana took part in theGhibellinerevolt againstPope Clement IV.During the Aragonese domination, it was ruled by theOrsini del Balzoand then in the 15th century by the Loffredos followed by theFilangieristhe De Ruggieros, the De Quartos and theBelgioiosos.
Main sights
[edit]This sectionis written like atravel guide.(January 2022) |
The ruins of the 12th to 13th-centuryLaurenzana Castleare found on a crag atop the village.
TheChiesa Madre dell'Assuntawith a stone portal dating from 1780 is the main church. It has a polychrome marble main altar, and a 16th-century fresco along with 18th-century Neapolitan school altarpieces.
Near the Assunta there is abelvederefrom which it is possible to view the surrounding valleys and mountains. Near town is a trail in the Abetina ( "Fir-wood" ) of Laurenzana, covering an area of 8 square kilometres (3.1 sq mi) on which silver firs and beech trees grow. TheSocietà Botanica Italianahas considered the Abetina as a biotope of extraordinary environmental interest and has designated it a "Riserva Naturale Regionale".
The Church of theMadonna del Carminehouses a 1611 canvas painted byGiovanni Battista SerrafromTricarico.
Economy
[edit]Up to a few years ago,[when?]Laurenzana was famous for the production of high quality liquors produced in four distilleries situated within the village. Handicraft activities regarding the manufacture of wooden barrels, bagpipes and wrought-iron were also widespread. The economy of the village is mainly based on agriculture; in fact, it is possible to findsilvicultureand animal breeding farms producing delicious dairy products.[3]
Religious festivals
[edit]- Beato Egidio da Laurenzana:January 10 (date of birth); Last Sunday in May or First Sunday in June
- Sant'Antonio di Padova: June 13
- San Vito: June 15
- Madonna del Carmelo: July 16
- San Rocco: August 16
- Madonna Addolorata: Last Sunday in September
Typical local dishes
[edit]- Calzoneripienocon salame. (Calzone filled with salame)
- Gnocchicon le rape. (Gnocchi with turnips)
- Panedi grano duro cottoal forno(Durum wheat bread cooked in an oven)
- Sauzezz r laurnzn (Traditional sausages)
- Patate chiene (Filled potatoes)
- Nuglia (Lean sausages)
Demographic
[edit]Population census
Twin towns
[edit]- Barberino di Mugello,Italy
See also
[edit]- Gaetani dell'Aquila d'Aragona,princes of Piedimonte, and dukes of Laurenzana
- Teresa de Francisci,born Maria "Mary" Teresa Cafarelli; is best known for being the model for the depiction ofLibertyon the obverse of thePeace Dollar,which was designed by her husbandAnthony de Francisci.
References
[edit]- ^"Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011".Italian National Institute of Statistics.Retrieved16 March2019.
- ^All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical instituteIstat.
- ^Excerpted from:Basilicata "Terra di Storia Cultura e Tradizione", Giovanni Varasano Editoria, 1998
External links
[edit]- (in English)Laurenzana Genealogy(Births, Marriage index 1809-1910, Deaths)[dead link](Archived)