Viggianello

Viggianello stands at the foot of the Pollino massif, in the Mercure valley, in the Pollino National Park. Its name comes from the Castrum Byanelli, a Roman outpost; the village is divided into quarters such as the Ravita, built by the Saracens at the end of the 10th century.

Next to the castle are the remains of the church of San Nicola, with traces of frescoes, and the Byzantine chapel of San Sebastiano. The village is a starting point for hikes and activities on the Lao river and the Pollino. The feast of Saint Francis of Paola, with its tree rituals, is unique among Lucanian festivals.