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Laurenzana
Laurenzana
Comune
	Comune di Laurenzana
	Coat of arms
	Location of Laurenzana
	Laurenzana Location of Laurenzana in Italy Laurenzana Laurenzana (Basilicata)
	Coordinates: 40°27′35″N 15°58′15″E / 40.45972°N 15.97083°E
Country	Italy
Region	Basilicata
Province	Potenza (PZ)
Government
• Mayor	Michele Ungaro
Area
• Total	95 km2 (37 sq mi)
Population (1996)
• Total	2,246
• Density	24/km2 (61/sq mi)
Demonym	Laurenzanesi
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	85014
Dialing code	0971
Patron saint	Beato Egidio; Madonna del Carmine
Saint day	Last Sunday of May
Website	Official website

Laurenzana (Lucano: Laurenzànë) is a town and comune in the province of Potenza, in the region of Basilicata (southern Italy). It rises on a spur between the torre Camastro and the wood surrounding the Serrapotamo valley.

History

Laurenzana's origins probably date from the 12th century when the Normans decided to build a fortified village in this area due to its strategic position. In 1268 Laurenzana took part in the Ghibelline revolt against Pope Clement IV. During the Aragonese domination, it was ruled by the Orsini del Balzo and then in the 15th century by the Loffredos followed by the Filangieris the De Ruggieros, the De Quartos and the Belgioiosos.

Main sights

The ruins of the 12th to 13th-century Laurenzana Castle are found on a crag atop the village.

The Chiesa Madre dell'Assunta with a stone portal dating from 1780 is the main church. It has a polychrome marble main altar, and a 16th-century fresco along with 18th-century Neapolitan school altarpieces.

Near the Assunta there is a belvedere from which it is possible to view the surrounding valleys and mountains. Near town is a trail in the Abetina ("Fir-wood") of Laurenzana, covering an area of 8 square kilometres (3.1 sq mi) on which silver firs and beech trees grow. The Società Botanica Italiana has considered the Abetina as a biotope of extraordinary environmental interest and has designated it a "Riserva Naturale Regionale".

The Church of the Madonna del Carmine houses a 1611 canvas painted by Giovanni Battista Serra from Tricarico.

Economy

Up to a few years ago,^[when?] Laurenzana was famous for the production of high quality liquors produced in four distilleries situated within the village. Handicraft activities regarding the manufacture of wooden barrels, bagpipes and wrought-iron were also widespread. The economy of the village is mainly based on agriculture; in fact, it is possible to find silviculture and animal breeding farms producing delicious dairy products.^[3]

Religious festivals

Beato Egidio da Laurenzana: January 10 (date of birth); Last Sunday in May or First Sunday in June
Sant'Antonio di Padova: June 13
San Vito: June 15
Madonna del Carmelo: July 16
San Rocco: August 16
Madonna Addolorata: Last Sunday in September

Typical local dishes

Calzone ripieno con salame. (Calzone filled with salame)
Gnocchi con le rape. (Gnocchi with turnips)
Pane di grano duro cotto al forno (Durum wheat bread cooked in an oven)
Sauzezz r laurnzn (Traditional sausages)
Patate chiene (Filled potatoes)
Nuglia (Lean sausages)

Demographic

Population census

Twin towns

Barberino di Mugello, Italy

References

^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.
^ Excerpted from: Basilicata "Terra di Storia Cultura e Tradizione", Giovanni Varasano Editoria, 1998