Rivello

Rivello is a small jewel set among the hills of Lucania, a village that captivates with its breathtaking landscape and rich history. Located in the province of Potenza, in western Basilicata, Rivello overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, giving visitors an extraordinary view and a feeling of tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. With a distance of about 20 kilometers from the well-known town of Maratea, the village is easily reached via a scenic road that winds through the heights, offering unforgettable views from every angle.

Rivello's location is one of its strengths. Surrounded by nature, the village conveys a sense of peace and serenity. Its narrow, winding streets invite a peaceful stroll, while the surrounding landscape invites you to stop and take photographs. From every vantage point, Rivello presents itself in a new guise, revealing architectural and landscape details that catch the eye.

What to see in Rivello

Rivello is a place rich in artistic and historical beauty, particularly in the religious sphere. Among the main attractions, the Convent of St. Anthony is a must-see for any visitor. Built in the 1500s, this convent houses frescoes by Girolamo Todisco, including a rare iconography of the Crucifixion of the Franciscan Martyrs of Japan and a depiction of the Last Supper in the cloister. In addition, the convent houses an Archaeological Museum with artifacts telling the history of the area from the surrounding areas of the Noce and Lao rivers.

Another point of interest is the Church of St. Nicholas of Bari, a medieval church that is striking for its stone staircase and 18th-century canvases, including the Madonna of the Rosary by Paolo De Matteis, a prominent artist of the Kingdom of Naples. The crypt, with its local stone columns and cross vaults, is a place of great charm and spirituality.

The Church of Santa Maria del Poggio, located on a scenic hill, is another example of religious architecture worth a visit. Built in medieval times and remodeled over the centuries, its interior houses a baptismal font from 1500 and a polyptych from 1600. The presence of numerous chapels and votive shrines along the hamlet's paths testifies to the strong religious tradition of the community, which has seen the rise of several covens and contrades over the centuries.

History and traditions

Rivello's origins date back to the early Middle Ages, and several archaeological finds attest to its inheritance from the Lucanian city of Sirinos, which already existed in pre-Roman times. During the Middle Ages, the town was divided into two distinct districts, the bardàv'ti and the bardàsci, representing the cultural and religious diversity of the population. The names of the squares and local sources are a clear reminder of these origins, reflecting Longobard and Greek influences.

In the 18th century, Rivello experienced a period of flourishing, becoming a free city. However, the arrival of the French and political uncertainties led to a decline that lasted decades. The situation did not improve even with Italian unification, which forced many inhabitants to emigrate in search of fortune, mainly to the Americas. Even after the war, migration continued, with many Rivellese moving to northern Italy and abroad, contributing to a slow but steady depopulation of the village.

Despite these difficulties, Rivello has kept its craft traditions alive, particularly in ceramics, copper and iron. Today, local artisans are rediscovering and enhancing these ancient practices, helping to keep the village's cultural identity alive.

Whether it is a walk among its medieval churches or a moment of contemplation in front of a breathtaking view, Rivello knows how to give unique emotions to every visitor.