Murals depict the bond of the local people with nature; they tell legends and ancient stories; they speak of traditional crafts; they testify to devotion and religious feeling.
These large-scale works created on urban architectures are therefore indicative of a precise and careful attention to local history, in order to tell it through vibrant images of ever-increasing artistic quality, carefully crafted to withstand the test of time, despite being exposed to the elements.
The Murals of the Melandro Valley
Visiting the Melandro Valley in Basilicata will allow the traveler to immerse themselves in a vast open-air museum. This is, in fact, an area dense with particular and evident artistic manifestations, represented by the numerous murals that appear on the walls of the buildings in the local towns. To appreciate creativity, tradition, and technique, one should visit the municipalities of Satriano di Lucania, Sant’Angelo Le Fratte, and Savoia di Lucania in the province of Potenza.
These three locations currently feature about 400 works, with an additional 40 murals nearing completion.
Satriano di Lucania Murals
A tour of the Melandro Valley to discover the murals must start from Satriano di Lucania (Pz), as this town hosts the greatest number of such works: to date, about 160.
Since the 1980s, citizens and administrations have embraced this particular path of enhancement – both of buildings and of the art and tradition of the town, told through images – gradually refining techniques and conservation methods.
Today, the activity sees an ever more vivid and renewed interest, especially as it is coordinated by the Artistic Cultural Association “Arte per la Valle”.
Many artists since 1988 have contributed to the project, painting entire facades of homes and thus helping to enhance the entire territory.
Sant’Angelo le Fratte Murals
In the nearby municipality of Sant’Angelo le Fratte, works have also been created that tell the connection of these places to the figure of Bishop Juan Caramuel, who was on an apostolic mission here from 1657 to 1672. In particular, it is recommended to go to Via Cupa where some thematic works have been made.
Finally, a walk through the town of Savoia di Lucania will allow visitors to participate in the creative process itself, appreciating the overall project: new paintings are currently being prepared that will enrich the facades of the buildings in this location.
A tour of the Melandro Valley is therefore a unique opportunity to feel literally surrounded and immersed in ancient stories, depicted on entire buildings: certainly an exciting itinerary full of archaic charm.
Savoia di Lucania Murals
Also in Savoia di Lucania, the ancient Salvia, this form of mural art can be appreciated. In this small Lucanian town, the murals mainly tell the story of Passannante, the attacker of Umberto I who was born here. Among the narrow streets of the small village, you will encounter colorful figures and history.
