Cultura: a hamlet in the municipality of Marsicovetere

Cultura is a hamlet in the municipality of Marsicovetere, in the province of Potenza, in the Basilicata region. The historic sights are located in Marsicovetere or the hamlet of Barricelle; Monte Volturino is part of the wider regional area. Keeping this distinction in mind will help you plan your trip and understand the local and thematic connections.

Roman heritage and art in Marsicovetere

The Villa Romana di Barricelle, a country villa belonging to the Lucanian family Bruttii Praesentes, is located in Barricelle. In the 2nd century AD, it was the residence of Bruzia Crispina, wife of Emperor Commodus.

The Chiesa Madre of Marsicovetere is designed in the Neapolitan Baroque style and dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. The church also houses a wooden Madonna dating from the 14th century and 18th-century paintings by followers of Caravaggio. The Chiesetta della Madonna della Neve dates from 1830. The Convento di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli is notable for its regular quadrangular layout and central cloister.

Palaces and buildings in the municipality

The palaces also illustrate different aspects of Marsicovetere’s architectural history. Palazzo Piccininni dates from the 17th to 18th centuries and was once a residence of the Caracciolo family. Palazzo Tranchitella, dating from the 17th century, is located on Corso Garibaldi and preserves a painting on stone. In the historic center are Palazzo Ziella on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Palazzo Pascale on Via Roma. Both have a local stone portal created by stonemasons from Marsicovetere.

North of Marsicovetere, in the direction of Calvello, the Cappella della Madonna del Saraceno stands on a rocky outcrop surrounded by holm oaks and beeches.

Monte Volturino: scenery and winter sports

In the wider regional area rises Monte Volturino, the highest peak of the Volturino massif at 1,836 meters. Beech, chestnut, downy oak, maple, and hornbeam trees characterize its slopes. Otters, wolves, wildcats, hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels, wild boar, and red kites are also considered native wildlife there.

For winter sports, Monte Volturino offers slopes with different profiles: FISI rates the main run red, and it is often used for winter competitions. There is also a black run for experienced skiers and another for beginners. The distinction in ratings and skill levels may be useful when choosing activities if winter sports are part of your travel plans.

Civita di Marsicovetere is also part of the municipality’s cultural and landscape context. It was placed under protection on April 1, 2021, because of its ecological, cultural, and landscape features.

Truffle and Prosciutto Festival

Dishes featuring Scorzone and white truffles are prepared in Marsicovetere. They are served with Terre dell’alta Val D’Agri DOC and other wines from Lucania. This gives regional cuisine its own place alongside architecture, history, and landscape. A Prosciutto Festival has also been held in Marsicovetere every August for many years; the specific dates may vary. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the year in question.

When choosing a base for your trip, you can consider Cultura as a hamlet, the buildings in Marsicovetere and Barricelle, and the nature and winter-sports attractions on Monte Volturino separately.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Corleto Perticara, Nemoli, Banzi, Rivello, Lagopesole, Missanello, Barile, Rionero In Vulture.

Return to the main travel overview: Potenza.