Lavello

Lavello
Comune
Città di Lavello

Coat of arms
Lavello

Location of Lavello in Italy

Coordinates: 41°3′N 15°48′E / 41.050°N 15.800°E / 41.050; 15.800Coordinates: 41°3′N 15°48′E / 41.050°N 15.800°E / 41.050; 15.800
Country Italy
Region Basilicata
Province Potenza (PZ)
Frazioni Gaudiano
Government
  Mayor Antonio Annale
Area
  Total 132 km2 (51 sq mi)
Elevation 313 m (1,027 ft)
Population (September 2008)
  Total 13,871
  Density 110/km2 (270/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Lavellesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 85024
Dialing code 0972
Patron saint San Mauro
Saint day 2 May
Website Official website

Lavello is a town and comune in the province of Potenza, in the region of Basilicata of southern Italy; it is located in the middle Ofanto valley.

History

The area of Lavello was settled in prehistoric times, as attested by findings of an Iron Age village. The town originated as a Daunian and then Roman settlement, known as Forentum. It was already an important stronghold during the Lombard rule in southern Italy, and here was killed Sicard of Benevento (839).

Lavello was an important Byzantine center and a bishopric seat from 1025. Starting from 1043 Lavello was one of the twelve baronies of the Norman county of Apulia in southern Italy. The Normans rebuilt the cathedral and added a line of walls. The fortress was strengthened under their successors, the Hohenstaufen. Here King Conrad IV of Germany died in 1254. As a result of its participation in the anti-Angevine revolt in 1268, it was burnt down by Charles I of Anjou in 1298.

Main sights

Famous citizens

Pasquale Di Pinto, World Karate Champion, was born in Lavello.

Notes and references


    This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, November 21, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.