Discover Paterno: Culture, Landscapes and Trails

Paterno combines landscape experiences with a multifaceted cultural history. A flat circular cycling route, views across the Valle dell’Agri, historic churches, palazzi and vibrant craft traditions offer a range of options for a trip. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can choose their own focus: active days by the river, cultural and historical discoveries in the town or hikes with far-reaching views across Basilicata.

Cycling and landscapes around Paterno

The Anello Parco fluviale is a 5.8-kilometre-long, flat circular cycling route through the landscape around Paterno and is suitable for everyone. This makes it possible to combine a stay with a manageable cycling tour without dedicating the entire day to a long route. Another option is the Via Silente – Cilento-Vallo di Diano, which connects Paterno with Padula. Both options appeal to travellers who want to use their accommodation as a base for planning an active trip.

The Parco fluviale dell’Agri can be reached via the SS 598, the Galaino-Paterno exit and then the Strada Paterno Galaino. In the Agri section near Paterno, one area is considered one of the most authentic parts of the natural landscape in the valley. When choosing accommodation, it is therefore worth deciding in advance whether cycling and landscape experiences or the cultural sites in the town should be the main focus. Planning your journey to the river park can then be specifically combined with searching for a holiday apartment in Paterno.

Churches, palazzi and archaeological traces

The Chiesa di San Rocco is one of the notable cultural sites. There, statues of Saint Roch and Saint Vitus flank the altar. The Chiesa del Sacro Cuore has a circular floor plan with a circular nave and a semicircular apse. Next to the church is a small rock grotto with a stone statue of the Madonna. The Cappella dell’Annunziata stands out for its round-arched entrance gate and its bell gable in the shape of a triangular pediment.

The oldest part of Paterno’s former parish church, now called Santuario della Madonna del Carmine, dates from 1742. The palazzi, too, point to various chapters in the town’s history: Palazzo Arco della Volpe dates from the early 19th century and has a characteristic arched structure through which the road once led to an old district of the town. Palazzo Rautiis was built in the 19th century as a country residence and has two small towers on the sides as well as sturdy stone walls.

Other traces reach back much further. Valle Romana was the site of archaeological excavations in the 1960s, during which numerous finds came to light. The remains of a Roman villa rustica were found in the Località Aggia. Transhumant shepherds belonging to the so-called Apennine culture lived on the hill of Civita in the 12th–11th century BC.

Traditions and views

Paterno also preserves forms of cultural expression that go beyond individual buildings. Il Carnasciale paternese is an intangible cultural tradition of the town. For around half a century, carnival processions with allegorical floats have been organised, with younger generations also involved in their design. In Paterno and Marsico Nuovo, the arts of woodcarving and weaving willow branches continue to be practised. These produce everyday objects and special containers, known as fusciedd’, for storing ricotta and local cheeses.

For a change from culture to nature, a hike on Monte Amoroso behind Paterno is a good option. From there, views extend across Basilicata and the Valle dell’Agri; the view also reaches as far as the historic Certosa di San Lorenzo in Padula in Campania. This combination can be particularly influential when choosing where to stay on a trip involving different interests: a holiday apartment in Paterno is a suitable search option for anyone wishing to include local history, crafts, landscapes and active pursuits in their plans.

Discover more places in the surrounding area

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Paterno, you will find starting points here for further trip planning: San Giorgio, Albano di Lucania, Armento, Francavilla In Sinni, Gallicchio, Chiaromonte, Grumento Nova and Sant'arcangelo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Potenza.