Castle and Old Town of Lagonegro

History

Lagonegro grew out of the Basilian monks who built the convent of San Filippo in the 9th century. Between the 9th and 10th centuries the town was enclosed by walls and towers, traces of which remain. It passed to the Normans and the County of Lauria, then to the Sanseverino, Sforza and Carafa families. This is where the great peasant revolt of 1551 took place.

What to see

• The Porta di Ferro (Iron Gate), the old entrance to the centre, rebuilt in stone in 1552, with the coat of arms showing Saint Michael slaying the dragon.
• The long staircase of 1603 that replaced the drawbridge.
• The ruins of the castle and the alleyways of the old town.
• The church of San Nicola, home to the legend of the Monna Lisa.

How to get there

You can walk up from the Piano; the A2 motorway has exits at Lagonegro Nord and Lagonegro Sud.

Useful information

• The old town is all uphill, with stairs and narrow alleys: wear comfortable shoes.
• Roads to Lago Laudemio and to the Sirino also leave from the Piano.