Miglionico, the village famous for the ‘Conspiracy of the Barons’

Miglionico, considered one of Italy's most beautiful villages, has its roots in legend: according to tradition, it was founded by Milone di Crotone, a famous Olympic athlete of the 6th century BC, from whom the town derives its name. The village is situated in a panoramic position between the Bradano and Basento rivers, overlooking the San Giuliano Lake Regional Reserve. Its undisputed symbol is the majestic Castello del Malconsiglio, the scene of the famous “Conspiracy of the Barons” in 1485, now relived in a multimedia exhibition and an evocative historical re-enactment in the summer. The castle leads visitors to the historic centre, Piazza Popolo, from where four streets lead to the four cardinal points of the village.

The beauties of Miglionico

The spirit of Miglionico is best captured by the Castello del Malconsiglio, built around the 9th century as a fort and transformed into a baronial residence in the 13th century. Inhabited until 1988 by families from the village, it was then restored and today represents the hub of the town's social and cultural life. The Franciscan Convent with the Church of San Francesco, built on the ruins of the ancient castle of Santa Sofia, is also very charming and preserves centuries of history and spirituality. Don't miss the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, with its magnificent polyptych by Cima da Conegliano, 17th-century wooden crucifix and rare 16th-century pipe organ. The Torre di Fino, an ancient watchtower, bears witness to the medieval past. The natural landscape is completed by Lake San Giuliano and the WWF reserve, an ideal destination for hiking and birdwatching.

Events in Miglionico

On 3 May, Miglionico celebrates the Feast of the Holy Cross, which originated from an ancient popular devotion linked to prayers for rain during periods of drought. On 29 June, the village honours its patron saints, St Peter and St Anthony, with solemn religious celebrations and community events. The summer is enriched by the “Spasett del cuore Lucano”, a food and wine tour dedicated to the typical products of Miglionico cuisine, and by the spectacular re-enactment of the Barons' Conspiracy on 14 August, which brings the streets of the village to life with hundreds of participants. Finally, on the last Sunday in September, the Sagra dei fichi secchi (Dried Fig Festival) celebrates the fruit that symbolises the area, alongside other local delicacies such as oil, wine, bread, Lucanian black pork and taralli.

photo credits studioanghifoto