Laurenzana

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Comune di Laurenzana
Municipal coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Basilicata
Province	Potenza (PZ)
Mayor	Angela Latorraca

Elevation	m
Area	95 km²
Population
- Total (as of ISTAT 1996)	2,246
- Density	24/km²
Time zone	CET, UTC+1
Coordinates	40°27′N 15°58′E
Gentilic	Laurenzanesi
Dialing code	0971
Postal code	85014

Patron	S. Domenico
- Day	August 4
Website: www.comune.laurenzana.pz.it

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.

1 History
2 Main sights
3 Economy
4 Religious festivals
5 Typical local dishes
6 External links

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 an area of 8 square kilometres 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"

[edit] 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