Paterno amid Agri landscapes, churches and craftsmanship

Paterno offers various ways to experience landscapes, history and local culture. The Anello Parco fluviale runs level for 5.8 kilometres through the landscape around Paterno and is suitable for everyone. In addition, there are churches with distinctive architectural details, archaeological sites, historic buildings and artisanal traditions that give the town a range of different facets.

Cycling routes and landscapes along the Agri

The Anello Parco fluviale is a 5.8-kilometre-long, level circular cycling route through the landscape around Paterno. Its suitability for everyone makes it a clearly defined way to explore the surroundings by bicycle. Another connection is provided by the Via Silente – Cilento-Vallo di Diano, which connects Paterno with Padula. The Parco fluviale dell'Agri can be reached via the SS 598, the Galaino-Paterno exit and then the Strada Paterno Galaino.

The landscape also offers distinct impressions on foot. The Agri section near Paterno is considered one of the valley’s most authentic areas of natural landscape. A hike on Monte Amoroso behind Paterno offers views across Basilicata and the Valle dell’Agri. From there, the view extends as far as the historic Certosa di San Lorenzo in Padula, Campania.

Churches and historic buildings

The religious buildings make religious architecture visible in a wide variety of forms. In the Chiesa di San Rocco, statues of Saint Roch and Saint Vitus flank the altar. The Chiesa del Sacro Cuore has a circular floor plan with a circular nave and a semicircular apse. Next to the church is a small rock grotto with a stone statue of the Madonna. The Cappella dell'Annunziata features an entrance gate with a round arch and a bell gable in the form of a pediment.

The oldest part of Paterno’s former parish church, now the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine, dates from 1742. At the Palazzo Arco della Volpe, the characteristic arched structure points to the town’s earlier history: the road to an old district once passed through the arch. The palazzo dates from the early 19th century. The Palazzo Rautiis was also built in the 19th century as a country residence; two small side towers and robust stone walls shape its appearance.

Archaeological traces around Paterno

Several sites point to the long history of the landscape. Valle Romana was the scene of archaeological excavations in the 1960s, during which numerous finds came to light. The remains of a Roman villa rustica were found in the Località Aggia in Paterno. Transhumant shepherds belonging to the Apennine culture lived on the hill of Civita in the 12th–11th centuries BC. These different periods give the surroundings historical depth, without reducing their traces to a single era.

Traditions and local craftsmanship

Il Carnasciale paternese is an intangible cultural tradition of Paterno. For about half a century, carnival parades with allegorical floats have been organised in Paterno, with younger generations also involved in their creation. Local craftsmanship also includes wood carving and the weaving of willow rods, traditions that continue to be practised in Paterno and Marsico Nuovo. These produce utilitarian objects and special containers known as fusciedd’, used to store ricotta and local cheeses.

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For the overarching travel overview: Potenza.