Rotonda.
What is known about the origin of this village is
that the people who used to live in the Valley of
the Mercure River found shelter in the place where
Rotonda is now, as a consequence of the Gothic invasion.
The village was first occupied by the Longobards and
the Normans, then went under several lords. It took
part to the Republican Risings of 1799 and in 1860
welcomed the troops of Garibaldi coming from Calabria
and going to Naples.
In the village there is the imposing Church of Santa
Maria della Consolazione. Inside it there are a beautiful
marble statue of the Madonna of 1512 and two round
marble bas-reliefs of the XVII century with golden
carvings in wood. There is also a Fortress, built
in 1822, as a protection against brigands.
This village, inside the territory of the National
Park of Pollino, is situated in an area with a rich
variety of plants (such as the Pino Loricato) and
animals (wolves, foxes, wild pigs).
With the help of the local structures, it is possible
to have a guided excursion in the Park or to stay
in one of the mountain huts in the area.