Paterno: Churches, Landscape and History

Churches and palazzi, archaeological traces and living traditions give Paterno a cultural focus, while cycling routes and views across the Agri Valley also lead into the surrounding landscape. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the sites and routes according to their different themes.

Churches and their architectural forms

In the Chiesa di San Rocco, statues of Saint Roch and Saint Vitus flank the altar. The Chiesa del Sacro Cuore offers a different architectural accent: its floor plan is circular, as is the nave, while the apse forms a semicircle. Next to the church is a small rock grotto with a stone statue of the Madonna. The Cappella dell’Annunziata has an entrance gate with a round arch and a bell gable in the form of a sail gable.

The history of a religious building also forms part of the local landscape: the oldest part of Paterno’s former parish church, now the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine, dates from 1742. The date refers to this oldest part and does not make any claim about the building’s present-day use or accessibility.

Palazzi and historical traces

The Palazzo Arco della Volpe dates from the early 19th century. Its distinctive arched structure once led the road to an old quarter of the town. The Palazzo Rautiis was built as a country residence in the 19th century; its features include two small side towers and sturdy stone walls. Their different architectural forms make the palazzi tangible points of interest for anyone interested in Paterno’s historic architecture.

Archaeological finds add a much older past to this picture. Excavations were carried out in Valle Romana in the 1960s, bringing numerous finds to light. Remains of a Roman villa rustica were found in Località Aggia. On the Civita hill, the origins appear to date back to the 12th–11th centuries BC; transhumant shepherds belonging to the so-called Apennine culture lived there.

Traditions and crafts

Il Carnasciale paternese is an intangible cultural tradition of Paterno. For around half a century, carnival parades with allegorical floats have been organized here, with younger generations also taking part in their creation. The tradition is therefore expressed not only in a name, but also in parades created by the community.

Another tradition is practiced in Paterno and Marsico Nuovo: wood is carved and willow rods are woven to make everyday objects and special containers. These containers are called fusciedd’ and are used to store ricotta and local cheeses. Their specific purpose distinguishes them from purely decorative woven work.

Cycling routes, the Agri landscape and views

The Agri stretch near Paterno is one of the valley’s most unspoiled natural landscapes. The surrounding area can be explored by bike along two different routes: the Anello Parco fluviale is a flat, 5.8-kilometre circular route through Paterno’s landscape, suitable for everyone. The Via Silente – Cilento-Vallo di Diano connects Paterno with Padula. This means that you can choose between a circular route in the surrounding area and a route connecting to another town. Check the park’s current route information before cycling, as infrastructure may be updated.

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. The mountain thus combines an excursion into the landscape with a view of a named historic building in the distance; no hiking time or difficulty level is implied.

To reach the Parco fluviale dell’Agri, follow the route via the SS 598, the Galaino-Paterno exit and then Strada Paterno Galaino. Check these practical directions locally before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Ruoti, Gli Sgarroni, Sant'Angelo Le Fratte, Atella, Corleto Perticara, Rivello, San Martino D'agri, San Severino Lucano.

Go to the main travel overview: Potenza.