San Paolo Albanese

San Paolo Albanese is the least populated municipality in Basilicata: it stands at about 840 metres on the slopes of Monte Carnara, in the Pollino National Park. It was founded around 1534 by Albanian settlers fleeing Turkish rule.

The Greek-Byzantine rite is celebrated here in the church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, from 1721. The Museum of Arbëreshë Culture tells of costumes, broom weaving and traditions. On 16 August, for San Rocco, an ancient ritual is renewed with a votive offering carried in procession ahead of the saint’s statue.