Lauria, Administrative commune in Basilicata, Italy
Lauria is a municipality in Basilicata situated on elevated terrain at around 430 meters above sea level, organized into two distinct districts: the historic upper section and the newer lower settlement. The layout reflects how the town grew from its medieval core into a larger modern community.
The settlement began in the 10th century near what is now the Madonna dell'Armo Sanctuary, with its name coming from the word lavra, which points to early monastic communities in the area. French forces under General Masséna destroyed it completely in 1806 as punishment for supporting the Bourbon royal family.
The Mother Church of Saint Nicholas and the fifteenth-century Church of Saint James contain artworks that visitors can still see today, showing what mattered most to people who lived here.
The town connects to the A2 motorway through exits at Lauria Nord and Lauria Sud, making it straightforward to reach by car. The nearest major airport is roughly 130 kilometers away, providing access for those traveling from farther distances.
The location held importance in medieval times because of its proximity to a Benedictine monastery founded by monks whose spiritual presence shaped the region for centuries. This monastic past remains visible today in the layout and older structures of the place.
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