ALIANO
Aliano is situated in a territory characterised
by calanchi (ravines) or erosive forms on the landscape, on
a clay spur 500 metres above sea level overlooking the Valle
d’Agri; a town of forced confine for the writer Carlo
Levi during the fascist period.
History
A Necropolis was found in the area behind the village, in
the Cazzaiolo district. It is rich with furnishings dating
back to the VII and VI centuries BC. Aliano was definitely
already a known Greek and Etruscan centre which was developed
during the III century BC, during the period when it was conquered
by Rome.
Its name derives from Praedium Allianum, meaning Allius property.
The village received some impulse for development by Basilian
monks, who arrived in Basilicata during the VIII century in
escape from iconoclastic persecution from the East.
Later, Aliano appeared in two bulls in 1060 and 1123, where
the Bishop of Tricarico was acknowledged as administrator
of the village.
During the Middle Ages it was a fief of Givano of Montescaglioso,
Giovanni Bricaldo, who was advisor to Carlo I of Angiò
and the Sanseverino Family. In 1492, it passed over to the
following families: Eligio della Marra, Carafam Gusman and
eventually to the Colonna of Stigliano.
Between 1935 and 1936, the writer Carlo Levi was an internee
in Aliano, where he wrote his book “Cristo si è
fermato a Eboli” (Christ Stopped at Eboli.) At the entrance
to the village, one can visit the Carlo Levi Casa Museo (House
Museum).
A visit to the City
Here, one can enjoy splendid panoramic views overlooking
the Valle d’Agri. The village preserves tracks of intact
ancient walls and is rich with houses constructed with raw
bricks, and the beautiful San Luigi Gonzaga Church (XVI century)
which preserves precious ‘500 and ‘700 canvases.
One can also visit the ‘Museo della Civiltà Contadina’
(Museum of the Peasant Civilization) and the Carlo Levi Casa
Museo (House Museum).
One can extend a visit on the outskirts of Aliano and admire
the Madonna della Stella Sanctuary.
Place of interest
The San Luigi Gonzaga Church; Casa Museo Carlo Levi; Parco
Letterario (Literary Park) Carlo Levi.
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