Place:Laurenzana, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy

source: Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names

source: Family History Library Catalog

Laurenzana is a town and commune in the province of Potenza, in the region of Basilicata (southern Italy). It rises on a spur between the torre Camastro and the wood surrounding the Serrapotamo valley.

History

Laurenzana's origins probably date from the 12th century when the Normans decided to build a fortified village in this area due to its strategic position. In 1268 Laurenzana took part in the Ghibelline revolt against Pope Clement V. During the Aragonese domination, it was ruled by the Orsini del Balzo and then in the 15th century by the Loffredos followed by the Filangieris the De Ruggieros, the De Quartos and the Belgioiosos.

Main sights

The most prominent architectural attraction is the Chiesa Madre dell'Assunta with a stone portal dating from 1780. It has one nave and two aisles, and houses a polychrome marble high altar, a fresco dating from the 16th century and Neapolitan school canvases dating from the 18th century.

Near this church there is the Belvedere from which it is possible to admire the surrounding valleys and mountains. Also noteworthy is the Church of the Madonna del Carmine, housing a canvas painted by Giovanni Battista Serra from Tricarico and dating from 1611.

Walking through the narrow streets of the village center the ruins of the castle situated in a position dominating the village. Delightful walks can be taken along the Abetina ("Fir-wood") of Laurenzana, covering a surface of about 800 hectares on which silver firs and beech trees grow. The Società Botanica Italiana has considered the Abetina as a biotope of extraordinary environmental interest and has designated it a "Riserva Naturale Regionale"

Economy

Up to a few years ago, 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 find silviculture and animal breeding farms producing delicious dairy products.
Excerpted from: Basilicata "Terra di Storia Cultura e Tradizione", Giovanni Varasano Editoria, 1998

Religious festivals

• Sant'Antonio di Padova : June 14-15
• Madonna del Carmelo : July 16
• San Rocco : August 16
• San Vito : September 21
• Madonna Addolorata : Last Sunday in September

Typical local dishes

• Calzone ripieno con salame.
• Gnocchi con le rape.

External links

• Laurenzana Genealogy(Marriage index 1809-1910) (English)

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