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Paterno

Info
Distance from Potenza: 39 km

Distance from Matera: 139 km

Altitude: 630 m amsl

Postal code: 85050

Inhabitants: 4029 (Paternesi)

Commune in the province of Potenza

This village is placed in the fertile plain of the Agri Valley. In the beginning its population was spread around the area where the Main Church, dedicated to San Giovanni Evangelista, is now. In the surrounding countryside there were the dwellings of the farmers, divided into twelve minor centres. After the continuous invasions, its inhabitants decided to gather with Marsiconuovo’s and this area became part of the territory of Marsiconuovo up to 1973. Since that year this centre has been independent.

The name ‘Paterno’ came from the word ‘Paternicum’, that means ‘land of the fathers’.

In the place called ‘Piazzola’ there is San Bartolomeo’s Church, belonging to the Rautiis from Tramutola family, that is linked to a private chapel where some paintings of the XVII century are kept.

The most common activity in this area is farming and beans are its most famous product.