Guardia Perticara, Italian comune
Guardia Perticara is a small town in the province of Potenza in the Lucano mountains, sitting on a hill above the Sauro river valley. Stone houses with visible stonework, balconies, and carved details line the narrow streets and central square, many restored to preserve their original character.
The settlement likely originated as a watchtower or garrison post, as suggested by its name, and was part of the ancient region called Enotria. After earthquakes damaged the town, buildings and churches were rebuilt multiple times, demonstrating the community's resilience through the centuries.
The town is known for its stone buildings and narrow streets that shape how residents live and move through daily life. Local traditions include seasonal celebrations honoring saints and ancestors, where people gather to share foods and stories that have been passed down through families.
The town is best explored on foot, with narrow streets and sloping passages requiring careful footing. Viewing points from higher areas overlook the Sauro valley, and small paths lead to the surrounding countryside and nearby forests for those interested in hiking or nature walks.
The Palazzo Montano displays artifacts from an ancient settlement, including items from old burial sites that reveal early inhabitants of Enotria lived in the region thousands of years before the current town was built. These archaeological pieces offer direct insight into the earliest people to settle in Basilicata.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
