Supposedly founded by Ancient Greek hero Diomedes after the Trojan war and birth-place of famous Ancient Roman poet Horace, the town of Venosa in the Basilicata region is an architectural and historical gem with ancient origins just waiting to be explored. Why not find yourself a luxury villa nearby and make a day-trip to the quaint town?
The name Venosa apparently comes from a dedication to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans), to appease her after Troy's defeat in the war. A Roman colony was later established in the area in 291 BC and became inextricably connected to the empire when the Appian Way was extended there in 190 BC.
The name Venosa apparently comes from a dedication to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans), to appease her after Troy's defeat in the war. A Roman colony was later established in the area in 291 BC and became inextricably connected to the empire when the Appian Way was extended there in 190 BC.
Among other things, Venosa has been named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and has enormous cultural and historical value. The town has also been known to hold film and theatre festivals in the past.
Venosa is located in the heart of the Vulture region, an area that is recognised as one of the best producers of Italian wine, including the famous Aglianico del Vulture (DOC). The annual Aglianico Wine Festival takes place in September, with tastings, cooking classes and other events.
There are also more family-friendly options for things to do in the town such as a visit to the Le Onde Venosa Park, a water-park with indoor and outdoor pools as well as water slides.
Venosa is located in the heart of the Vulture region, an area that is recognised as one of the best producers of Italian wine, including the famous Aglianico del Vulture (DOC). The annual Aglianico Wine Festival takes place in September, with tastings, cooking classes and other events.
There are also more family-friendly options for things to do in the town such as a visit to the Le Onde Venosa Park, a water-park with indoor and outdoor pools as well as water slides.
Another great idea for an activity could be a trip to Venosa Castle which was built in the 15th century by Duke Pirro del Balzo as a heavily fortified structure and now houses the National Archaeological Museum. In the museum you can view discoveries from Roman up to Norman times.
However, a simple walk around the town would be just as rewarding as anything else. It truly is an architectural dream with a picturesque historic town centre, a beautiful cathedral, the remains of Roman city walls, an amphitheatre and the Baroque church of San Filippo Neri.
One can also wander the massive monastic complex of the abbey of Santa Trinitá with old and new church, mosaics, frescoes and tombs to be admired.
You'll never be stuck for things to do in Venosa or the rest of Basilicata, so plan a trip soon and be sure to enjoy the food, wine, history and culture.
However, a simple walk around the town would be just as rewarding as anything else. It truly is an architectural dream with a picturesque historic town centre, a beautiful cathedral, the remains of Roman city walls, an amphitheatre and the Baroque church of San Filippo Neri.
One can also wander the massive monastic complex of the abbey of Santa Trinitá with old and new church, mosaics, frescoes and tombs to be admired.
You'll never be stuck for things to do in Venosa or the rest of Basilicata, so plan a trip soon and be sure to enjoy the food, wine, history and culture.
Photo credits
picture 1: Generale Lee / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2 & 3: Photos of Venosa
picture 1: Generale Lee / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2 & 3: Photos of Venosa