Castelmezzano, the fortified village nestled among castles

Castelmezzano, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, is a place where history, nature and legend intertwine in an evocative way. Its name derives from Castrum Medianum, “middle castle”, an ancient Norman fortress located between the castles of Pietrapertosa and Brindisi Montagna. However, its origins go back much further: as early as the 6th and 5th centuries BC, the Greeks ventured into the Basento valley and founded the settlement of Maudoro, the “golden world”. In the 10th century AD, Saracen raids forced the inhabitants to take refuge among the spectacular rock spires, giving rise to a stronghold that was first Lombard and then Norman. Since then, Castelmezzano has preserved its identity over the centuries, through prosperity, domination, resistance and rebirth.

The beauties of Castelmezzano

Castelmezzano preserves its medieval layout with houses perched on terraces carved into the rock and sandstone roofs. Walking through the village means discovering steep stairways, alleys and arcades carved into the stone, once places of socialising, until you reach breathtaking panoramic views. The arrival at the village is striking, appearing like a natural amphitheatre after a rocky gorge. Worth visiting are the Mother Church of Santa Maria (13th century) with wooden statues and works of art, the chapel of Santa Maria, the rock church of the Ascension with its pre-Napoleonic cemetery, and the noble palaces such as Merlino, Parrella, Coiro, Paternò and the ducal palace of De Lerma. Don't miss the remains of the Norman-Swabian fortress, with its steep staircase carved into the rock leading to the highest point, from where the garrison once guarded the Basento valley: a place steeped in history and mysticism.

Events in Castelmezzano

One of the most evocative rituals in Castelmezzano is the Holy Saturday Bonfire, when the young people of the village gather wood to build a large communal fire in the square. In May, the Sagra della Quagliata is celebrated, a rural festival dedicated to the Madonna del Bosco, with the preparation of fresh cheese accompanied by songs and folk games. The Castelmezzanese Summer enlivens the village with theatre, music, open-air cinema and traditional festivals. On 19 August, the solemn Feast of San Rocco, patron saint of the village, combines a procession, concert and fireworks. In September, the Festa del Majo commemorates tree worship: a large trunk, pulled by oxen, is raised in the square in a spectacular propitiatory ritual. On 13 December, the Sagra della Cuccia renews the community gesture of sharing. And in summer, don't miss the Volo dell'Angelo, a unique experience suspended between the Lucanian Dolomites.

photo credits StevanZZ