Avigliano.
The origin of the name is probably ‘Gens Avilia’,
people of Roman origin who used to live in the place
where the village is now. It used to be under the
influence of the Goths, the Greeks, the Longobards
and the Byzantines, while in the XI and XII centuries,
the Normans brought a time of relative well being
and peace. After them there was the domination of
the Angevins and of the Spaniards.
There are still many ancient traditions, such as
artistic handcraft, and in particular the production
of knives.
It is an interesting place to walk around, full of
remarkable constructions. From Gianturco Square, heart
of the village, you can enter the old centre, where
you can see some mediaeval palaces and some wonderful
stone portals. In the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine
there is the statue of the ‘Madonna del Carmine’,
bearing witness of an old tradition.
The Lagopesole Castle is some miles away from the
village.
