Lavello

Lavello
Comune
Città di Lavello
Coat of arms
Lavello Location of Lavello in Italy
Coordinates:
Country	Italy
Region	Basilicata
Province / Metropolitan city	Potenza (PZ)
Frazioni	Gaudiano
Government
• Mayor	Antonio Annale
Area
• Total	132 km2 (51 sq mi)
Elevation	313 m (1,027 ft)
Population (September 2008)
• Total	13,871
• Density	110/km2 (270/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Lavellesi
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	85024
Dialing code	0972
Patron saint	San Mauro
Saint day	2 May
Website	Official website

Lavello is a town and comune in the province of Potenza, in the region of Basilicata of southern Italy; it is located in the middle Ofanto valley.

History

The area of Lavello was settled in prehistoric times, as attested by findings of an Iron Age village. The town originated as a Daunian and then Roman settlement, known as Forentum. It was already an important stronghold during the Lombard rule in southern Italy, and here was killed Sicard of Benevento (839).

Lavello was an important Byzantine center and a bishopric seat from 1025. Starting from 1043 Lavello was one of the twelve baronies of the Norman county of Apulia in southern Italy. The Normans rebuilt the cathedral and added a line of walls. The fortress was strengthened under their successors, the Hohenstaufen. Here King Conrad IV of Germany died in 1254. As a result of its participation in the anti-Angevine revolt in 1268, it was burnt down by Charles I of Anjou in 1298.

Main sights

• The Castle
• Church of Annunziata (17th century), housing a 16th-century Annunciation from the Neapolitan School.

Famous citizens

Pasquale Di Pinto, World Karate Champion, was born in Lavello.