The land of love

Abriola - Abriola, the village of San Valentino, patron saint of the town. Located at 957m above sea level, it was once an ancient Arab stronghold, it was also occupied by the Goths and Saracens and, in 907, it was occupied by the Lombards. Being surrounded by woods populated by wild animals, 'Abriola' seems to come from the Latin word 'aper', meaning 'wild boar'.

In 1150 it was part of the county of Tricarico and, subsequently, it belonged to the Federici di Montalbano Counts. In the ancient part of the town, located higher up, you can still admire the castle which became the political center of the time. On 23 July 1809, at the hands of the brigands, all the relatives of Baron Federici were killed; the parish archives were also lost in the fire: every year an event is held, 'the assault on the castle', to commemorate the tragic event. The visitor who goes to Abriola is surrounded by services that make their stay different day by day: from the ski resorts to the visit of the chocolate shop. An important stop is within the Sellata Monte Pierfaone area, surrounded by the greenery of the Lucanian Apennine National Park: it is possible to enjoy hours and hours of relaxation in a relaxing environment. Religious tourism is also developed thanks to the churches frescoed by the painters Girolamo and Giovanni Todisco of 1600. At 1300mt it is possible to visit the Sanctuary of Monteforte: during the Middle Ages it was frequented by Sceti and monks, certainly it also became a passage of the Templars. And right inside this sanctuary you can admire the first works by Giovanni Todisco, a prominent figure in 1500, and many other frescoes including one dating back to 1050, which allows the construction of the Sanctuary to be placed in time; even in the small church of San Gerardo it is possible to admire frescoes by Todisco. Among the various typically medieval alleys, you can come across the church of San Giuseppe and, passing nearby the arch of San Martino, you can admire a portal of a noble palace, which probably belonged to the church of San Michele, which no longer exists. . The largest church is that of Santa Maria Maggiore which welcomes the faithful with a long red carpet, the color of love. The portal is decorated with tiles that tell the story of San Valentino, patron saint of the town and protector of love and lovers; his remains are kept inside the church in a golden casket. On February 14, the patronal feast takes place in the village with liturgies and religious processions accompanied by the village band.