Lavello.
Lavello was built on the ancient cow route between
the Ofanto River, the only river in Basilicata that
flows into the Adriatic sea, and the hills near Venosa.
Its name probably comes from ‘labellum’
(watering trough). It was already lived in during
the Neolithic Age, as some remains of ancient settlements
spread in the area show. Its best period was under
the Normans, who built one of their fortresses there.
In 1298, it was almost destroyed by a fire set by
Carlo d’Angiò. This event is recalled
in its coat of arms, where a two-storey tower on fire
is represented.
The centre of the village keeps its mediaeval structure.
There is a Castle of the Swabian period, rebuilt in
the XVII century and in which the Town Hall is now.
In Sant’Anna’s Church is a canvas of
the XVI century, representing the ‘Annunciazione’,
by Antonio Stabile.
The Church of Santa Maria delle Rose and the Church
of Santa Maria ad Martyres are both very old. The
latter was built in the XIII century and renovated
in 1738.