The name Latronico would seem to mean 'hidden place' and in fact this small village, immersed and submerged in the unspoilt beauty of the Pollino Park, is a destination for conscious and slow tourism. With its history and countless natural resources (and more) Latronico offers an incredible range of experiences. Its territory, extremely rich and varied, reserves many surprises and it is almost unbelievable that this small village manages to offer so many interesting proposals.
Latronico
The town of Latronico is in the province of Potenza, located in the Pollino National Park and therefore surrounded by beautiful unspoilt natural areas. The village is right at the foot of Mount Alpi, which, with its three peaks Santa Croce, Punta del Corvo and Pizzo Falcone, appears on the town's coat of arms, demonstrating the strong bond of the people of Latronico with their territory. Latronico, hidden in the wilderness, is 888 metres above sea level and its predominantly mountainous surface is crossed by the river Sinni and the Fiumitello stream. The landscape also features the suggestive 'calanchi', rock faces that present a particular type of erosion mixed with clayey run-off, giving rise to sharp ridges arranged in a fan shape. But one of Latronico's most appreciated features is its thermal baths: in the Calda locality, in fact, natural springs of thermal water gush out, making this place a centre far from the centres of mass tourism, completely devoted to wellness and relaxation. Its name would mean 'hidden place' from Greek, or 'stone quarry' from Latin; certainly its territory has hosted human settlements since the Mesolithic period, but a real town was only built in the early Middle Ages (visible in the upper part of the town called 'Capadavutu', as opposed to the lower part 'Capabbasciu'). Today, visiting the historic centre of Latronico means reliving an era that, although far away, still lives on in the alleys and narrow streets that chase each other and intertwine, all to be explored and discovered.
The typical dishes of Latronico are many, varied and with the typical flavours of an authentic and, in some ways, unknown Basilicata. Homemade pasta boasts a vast repertoire: Tapparedde cch'i lardari, are lasagnette pasta to be eaten with porcini mushrooms, a staple of the area's diet; 'Maccaruni 'i casa ccu' savuzizzonu e coria' are fusilli pasta served with sausage and pork rind; 'Maccaruni 'i casa cca' muddica' are fusilli pasta with a breadcrumb sauce; 'Lagane e ceci' and 'tagliolini con i fagioli' are excellent eaten hot and served with pepper powder. The main courses also offer unique flavours, including meat and fish dishes. Worth trying are: 'Crapettu sfrittuliatu', pan-fried kid, 'Baccalà e zafarane crusc'che', salt cod seasoned with dried raw peppers), 'Ainu ccu' patane e cipuddine', or lamb with potatoes and wild onions. There is no shortage of cheeses and cold cuts: sausage, salsiccione, soppressata, prosciutto and capocollo are dishes not to be missed by those visiting these areas, better accompanied by local cheeses (pecorino, caprino and salted ricotta). Latronico's traditional desserts are linked to festivities, such as sanguinaccio (a sweet made with rice, sultanas and chocolate), purciddato (an Easter cake) and cannariculi (fried dough sweets eaten during the carnival period). These are just a few of the many typical dishes on offer in the local gastronomy, yet the culinary art and tradition resist so tenaciously in the face of advancing time that even simple bakeries and biscuit factories will give you genuine products, made with all the love of their origins.
Events in Latronico are appointments that are repeated over the years, reviving ancient traditions linked to the identity of the village and its territory. Some of the most heartfelt festivities are those dedicated to Sant'Egidio Abate. In March, since 1709, the 'Miracle of Manna' takes place: on this occasion, a wall of the saint's church oozes and the faithful celebrate this occasion with a solemn celebration. On 30 and 31 August, it is the feast of the Saint and the community invades the streets with processions and religious songs. While in August there is the traditional Palio Rionale di Sant'Egidio, a challenge between sports and games in which the borough's districts compete. August is also a month full of events: the 'Terme Live Festival', dedicated to emerging singers and established artists, the 'A cielo aperto' review, a public art exhibition involving the village and the surrounding area, and the Sapori Lucani festival (in Agromonte Lagnano), a gastronomic event dedicated to the tastes and flavours of this land. A similar event is held in November, it is 'Saperi e Sapori', where, in addition to gastronomy, the tradition of local handicrafts is also celebrated (the embroideries and objects carved in grey stone from the Alpi mountain are remarkable and characteristic). These products, together with other local delicacies and products of various kinds, can also be found at the town market every first Friday of the month in the Funtana Villa district. Those of Latronico are all appointments with tradition and territorial identity, and being able to participate will make your stay in this incredible village even more unique and authentic.
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