It is strategically located, just a few kilometers from the S.S. 407 Basentana highway and along the Basento River. From Calciano, it’s easy to reach both provinces of the region—Matera and Potenza—as well as other major tourist destinations.
From its panoramic viewpoints, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views; for example, from the small square behind the Church of Calciano, there is a stunning vista over the Basento River and the calanchi (clay ravines).
In the skies above Calciano, you can spot hawks, kites, doves, the great spotted woodpecker, the blackcap, and the great tit, often flying quite close. The black stork can also be observed from birdwatching stations located along the Basento River, all within the territory of Calciano.
Numerous close encounters with wildlife are possible here: from porcupines to foxes, from peacocks to hares, from badgers to squirrels, and from hedgehogs to wild boars, offering immersive experiences in nature.
MUST-SEE SIGHTS
The origins of the urban settlement of Calciano date back to prehistoric times (5th century BC). According to historian Racioppi, the name of the town may derive from the medieval term “Caucium”, meaning a low and swampy place. As early as 383 BC, Calciano is mentioned in connection with a flood that destroyed it. Rebuilt afterward, it was destroyed again in 1235 by another flood and in 1248 by an earthquake. After these disasters, the territory was annexed to Tricarico, later passed to the Sforza family in 1382, and then to the Sanseverino family in 1459.
The ancient remains of the Church of the Rocca date back to the 16th century, built at a time when the village had around 1,500 inhabitants.
Ownership of the fief then passed to the De Leyra family and later to the Revertera in 1606. Despite being a small community, the people of Calciano repeatedly rebelled against their feudal lords. During the period of brigandage, local bandit leaders emerged—the most famous being Francesco Scurti, known as “Percoco.”
At the end of the 1800s, following yet another flood, the population permanently abandoned the original village known as “Calciano di Pede” and moved to the current site, where the Chapel of the Madonna della Serra once stood. This chapel later became the present-day Church of St. John the Baptist.
Calciano was subsequently annexed to the province of Oliveto Lucano, then to Garaguso, and only on June 12, 1913, did it achieve full autonomy.
The patron saint of Calciano is the Madonna della Serra, celebrated on September 8 with a procession featuring votive candles and the participation of many descendants of Calciano natives.
From an architectural perspective, the following sites are noteworthy:
Church of St. John the Baptist
This is the most important site from an artistic, historical, and cultural point of view. Inside, there is a polyptych by Bartolomeo da Pistoia, dated 1503. A unique detail lies in the predella, where the 12 figures are not apostles but saints—including women. The church also houses 17 frescoes recovered from the ruins of the Church of the Rocca, including one featuring the Madonna sheltering hooded penitents, and depictions of Saint Blaise and Saint James.
Other highlights include a wooden statue of the Madonna Orante (Praying Madonna) or the Annunciation Madonna, from the 15th century, attributed to the Venetian workshop of Moranzon, and a stone baptismal font from the 17th–18th centuries.
Chapel of Santa Maria di Cognato
Dating back to the 1100s, this is where Saint William of Vercelli, along with Saint John of Matera, arrived in 1128, passing through Tricarico. Enchanted by the peace of the place, they built a hermitage. After a time, they parted ways, exchanging clothing as a symbolic gesture: Saint John headed to Monte Sant’Angelo on the Gargano, while William remained and lived as a hermit.
Legend tells that William exorcised a man possessed by a demon—a hunter who had struck the saint’s iron helmet, disfiguring his face. The miracle of William’s exorcism spread his reputation for holiness.
Nearby is the “Tremolo” spring, sourced from sandstone layers at about 650 meters deep, traditionally used by locals for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, fever-reducing, and expectorant properties.
Also near the chapel, on the slope leading to the Basento River, is the Path of the Austrians, a stone-paved trail built by Austrian prisoners during World War I.
Castle Area – Church of the Rocca – Ancient Remains of Calciano
This is an ancient site of prehistoric origin. Within the geosite, you can visit the remains of the church. Nearby is the “Fontana di Pede”, a large cave used to collect water and once one of the village’s main sources.
Today, the castle area is accessible via a lit path winding up the Rocca del Castello, offering views of several hypogea (underground chambers) featuring visible fossils.
Opposite the Rocca, to the east, stands the Cinta of Santa Caterina, where two eye-shaped cavities were carved. Inside, there are frescoes of Saint Catherine, Lucifer, and Saint Anthony Abbot, though their state of preservation is unknown due to difficult access.
Next to the Cinta is a clay-rich area containing lava-like stones, suggesting possible fumaroles or gas emissions in the zone.
Also nearby is the Alpe spring, sourced at 375 meters deep and formed from fractured sandstone. Close to this is the “clay spring,” which inspired a well-known local saying:
“If you’re not happy, anything you’re missing could be made out of clay at Alpe.”
GASTRONOMIC EXCELLENCES
The traditional cuisine of Calciano is rooted in Lucanian culinary tradition, with unique local variations influenced by spices, ingredient pairings, and preparation techniques.
Some notable dishes include:
“Lagane” – a rustic soup made with boiled beans or chickpeas
“Gnummridd” – rolls made from lamb and kid offal
“U p’pdegn’” – boiled corn seasoned with salt
“Rafanata” – a “frittata” made with horseradish
“Manate” – a handmade pasta with a distinctive texture, prepared through skilled handwork and typically served with sausage ragu
The “Calcianese Triptych” – a dish featuring homemade cavatelli, orecchiette, and fusilli
“Pezzente” – a rich, rustic sausage made from less noble cuts of pork
The frittata, a staple of Lucanian cuisine, is prepared in Calciano in many variations: with sausage, zucchini, asparagus, potatoes, onion, and peppers. A special sweet version made with honey and almonds stands out for its use of excellent local honey.
Other typical dishes include:
“Beans, pork rind, and chicory”
“Fave munn’late” – slightly firm fresh fava beans cooked in a traditional clay pot
“La pastorale” – a hearty dish of sheep meat with potatoes, celery, onion, tomatoes, wild fennel, bay leaves, carrots, and hot chili peppers
Highly valued in local gastronomy is the production of Podolica beef and dairy products.
No local culinary experience would be complete without bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil (EVO), a niche, award-winning local product that enhances the richness of Calciano’s gastronomic offerings.
During Easter, as in neighboring areas, one can enjoy savory calzones filled with onion, or versions with cheese, eggs, and sausage. There’s also a sweet calzone made with ricotta.
At Christmas, the traditional “Scherpedd” (fried bread fritters) are a must, often served with salt cod or anchovies.
Among desserts, there are the “Casatedd” (also known as cartellate) and sweet panzerotti filled with chickpeas or chestnut paste.
Sweet and savory taralli are enjoyed year-round.
Another local specialty is the traditional focaccia baked directly on natural stone, known as “focaccia a terra”, and the “u roccol”, a ring-shaped bread.
Tourist Services
EVENTS
February 10–14 – The Befana Hunt – Carnival – Romantic Village
March 19 – Bonfire of Saint Joseph
March 21 – International Poetry Day
June 13 – Feast of Saint Anthony
August – Festival of the 7 Frittatas
July – August – September – Community Workshops / Summer Camp
Late August – Forest Olympics with Grass Skiing
September – City of Honey
September 7–8 – Patron Saint Festival
September 29 – Festival of the Commons, St. Michael the Archangel
October 2 – Grandparents’ Day
November – December – Elf Village
EXCURSIONS
The natural trails are accessible to everyone, with several options to choose from:
Wild Herb Identification Walk – a relaxing stroll to discover wild plants, with a particular focus on the striking Milk Thistle (Cardo Mariano), along with various valuable medicinal and Mediterranean herbs that can be spotted during the walk.
Archaeological Trails – leading to the geosite of the ruins of the Castle of Santa Maria della Rocca and its Church, including hypogea (underground dwellings) divided into two types: those used by inhabitants and those used by hermits, located beyond the area known as Venicella. The Calciano hypogea show remarkable similarities to those found in Matera.
The Brigands’ Trail – begins at the site of the birthplace of the brigand Percoco (Francesco Scurti), now Piazza 18 Agosto, and continues to the Brigand’s Stone, located in the forested park and discovered only in 2004 during a historical research project by the SMDR Association.
The picturesque hill town in the Matera countryside also offers a scenic Water Springs Trail, visiting “Alpe – Acc’tidd – Conserva – Tremolo”, and leading to the Chapel of Cognato, a hermitage founded in 1123 by Saint William of Vercelli and Saint John of Matera.
Also in development is the St. William of Vercelli Trail, inspired by the experience of the Camino de Santiago. Saint William ventured into Southern Italy to create a similar pilgrimage route, passing through Calciano and founding his hermitage in the magical Cognato Forest, a truly enchanting corner of paradise.
FOCUS
3 UNMISSABLE SUGGESTIONS
1. Romantic village: ancient ruins of Calciano – hypogea;
2. The Trail of the 7 Fountains with a tasting of the 7 Calcianese frittatas;
3. The Patron Saint Festival on September 7–8, where you can admire the votive candles.
CONTACTS
Comune di Calciano – Via S. Pertini – tel. 0835672016
Ass. Santa Maria della Rocca
Email smdr_onlus_calciano@tiscali.it
Cell. 3475306213
Web smdrorg.wordpress.com
