Viggianello, Italian comune
Viggianello is a small commune in the province of Potenza in Basilicata, perched on a rocky outcrop at around 500 meters elevation and surrounded by dense forests. Stone buildings cluster tightly along narrow streets that climb steeply, creating a sense of stepping through old times.
The name Viggianello stems from a legend where someone found a lost ring and cried "Vidi anello!" (I saw the ring!), leading to the queen naming the village after that moment. Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Lombards, Byzantines, and Normans passed through the area, with the latter building a fortress featuring a square tower.
Viggianello keeps alive customs tied to farm life and local food, with seasonal festivals celebrating local crafts and traditions. Small shops and markets display fresh cheeses, cured meats, and produce that families have made the same way for generations.
Viggianello is best explored on foot by walking through the narrow streets, which feel like stepping back in time. The town is quiet and slow-paced, offering good starting points for hikes into Pollino National Park and the surrounding mountains and forests.
Behind the name lies an ancient story: Greek Basilian monks settled nearby and built small churches and chapels, some still visible as ruins. The Mercure river flowing through the village has been essential to residents for centuries and inspired the legendary name.
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