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Province of Potenza

Venosa

The town of Horace and the Incompiuta

Discover Venosa

Venosa, an ancient Roman colony, is the birthplace of the Latin poet Horace and one of «The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy». It stands on a plateau in north-eastern Basilicata, among fields and Aglianico vineyards.

The Holy Trinity complex, a national monument, includes the old church with the tombs of the Hauteville family and the grand «Incompiuta», a Benedictine church never finished. Also worth seeing are the castle of Pirro del Balzo, home to the archaeological museum, the Roman archaeological park, the Jewish catacombs and the Palaeolithic site of Notarchirico.

What to see in a day

Venosa is the birthplace of the Latin poet Horace and one of the richest historic towns in Basilicata. It is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

  • The 15th-century Pirro del Balzo castle, home of the National Archaeological Museum
  • The Abbey of the Holy Trinity, with the old church and the great "Incompiuta", a church that was never finished
  • The archaeological park with the baths, houses and amphitheatre of the Roman town
  • The Jewish catacombs, among the most important in southern Italy
  • The Cathedral, the Angevin fountain and the house traditionally said to be Horace's

When to go

All year round; spring and autumn are more pleasant for the outdoor sites. It is also a good stop on a tour of the Vulture wineries.

Getting there

By car: about an hour from Potenza and a little more from Foggia. Venosa is close to Melfi, Rionero in Vulture and the Monticchio lakes, which make a good two-day tour.

What to eat and drink

Aglianico del Vulture, the local red wine, with Lucanian cooking: hand-made pasta, grilled meat and cheeses.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Horace and what is there in Venosa?

Quintus Horatius Flaccus, one of the great Latin poets, was born in Venosa in 65 BC. The town remembers him with a statue in the square and the house tradition attributes to him.

Why is the abbey church called the Incompiuta?

It was begun by the Benedictines next to the old church but never finished: today the roofless walls and columns remain.

How long does a visit to Venosa take?

One day lets you see the castle and museum, the abbey and the archaeological park.

What is there to see near Venosa?

Melfi and its castle, the Monticchio lakes and the Aglianico del Vulture wineries.

On the map

  • Things to see

Things to see in Venosa

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