It is situated between Basilicata and Calabria, on the left of
Tanagro River, it has always been a commercially developed town.
Climate is mild.
There are many architectural beauties, such as Castello Marchesale
and Casino dei Monaci, but there also natural beauties, for example
Grotta dell’Angelo and Grotta dell’acqua.
Serra San Giacomo and Costa Fabbricata are full of oaks, chestnut
groves, beeches with well equipped areas.
The gastronomic event “Mangiamo con i contadini” in
August is very nice, visitors can taste the typical products, for
example “fusilli” with wild boar sauce, "ravioli" filled
with ricotta, pizza, and "pasta" with beans.
HISTORY
The first inhabitants chose to live in Grotta dell’Angelo. The name is maybe lined to “Auleto”, Enea's friend, or "olivola", that is olive trees. Maybe it has a Greek origin and comes from “Aulethon”, that is a flautist.
Between VII and VI century b.C. Greeks occupied this area and created an important colony bringing more sophisticated techniques for the cultivation of olive trees.
In XI century Benedictine and then Franciscan monks moved to this area. In Castello Marchesale, in 1535, Carlo V stayed when he was coming back from an expedition to Africa. The room where he slept was dedicated to him.
In Palazzo Mari on 6th September 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped during his way to Northern Italy and this palace was used as a headquarter during Risorgimento.
FOLKLORE AND EVENTS
• Fusillo festival (July)
• Aulettesi in the world (August)
• “Cuculo fritto” festival (fried courgette flowers) (August)
• Grapevine festival (October)
• Gastronomic event “Mangiamo con i contadini” (August)
• San Donato da Ripacandida Feast (August)
• San Donato alla Galleria Feast (September)
• Saint Peter Fair (29th April)
• Saint Catherine Feast (18th November)
• Olive oil festival (December)
MONUMENTS AND NATURAL BEAUTIES
• Castello Marchesale, in 1535, Carlo V stayed when he was coming back from an expedition to Africa. The room where he slept was dedicated to him. Prince Umberto di Savoia and his wife, princess Maria Josè stayed there, too
• San Nicola di Mira Church, with a relic of San Donato da Ripacandida
• Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, dedicated to Saint John.
• Casino dei Monaci, ancient summer residence of Francescani della Scarpa
• Palazzo Mari on 6th September 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped during his way to Northern Italy and this palace was used as a headquarter during Risorgimento
• Jesus Hermitage, with the bell tower
• Fontana Cannioni, a fountain
• Porta Rivellino, of Middle Ages origin
• Grotta dell’Angelo, dell’Acqua and della Signora. Finds have shown that the first cave was inhabited during prehistoric time. There are many stalagmites and rocks with unusual shapes
Testi: Stefania Maffeo
