Live the experience
Visits are currently suspended as we are reorganizing activities and enhancing the experience.
Discover the philosophy of Francesco Cillo in the town of Cancellara, in Basilicata, and the biodiversity of Lucania. Its charm is the expression of a place unchanged through time!
Enjoy moments of relaxation by choosing from the organized activities, such as delightful horseback rides through our olive groves, and conclude the experience with a tasting of our award-winning extra virgin olive oils.
Cancellara
Cancellara has preserved almost intact over time the urban and architectural features of the past, making it still one of the most important testimonies of Lucanian history.
The existence of a necropolis dating back to the 5th century BC attests to the presence of a settlement since ancient times.
There are several theories about the origin of the town, but according to tradition, it was the Roman commander Pietro Cancellario, who lived in the 3rd century BC, that gave the town its name and foundation. His tombstone, which preserves his remains, is located in the Church of Santa Caterina di Alessandria, in the lower part of the ancient village.
What is certain is that this is an important cultural site, an indelible witness to the history, customs, and traditions of an ancient past.
Between legends and treasures that have never been found
A central symbol of Cancellara’s monuments is undoubtedly the medieval castle. It was built around 1300, probably by the Acquaviva d’Aragona family, and was later inhabited by noble feudal dynasties such as the Carafa, Caracciolo, and Pappacoda families.
Made of limestone, imposing and majestic, the castle, a guardian of legends and treasures that have never been found, dominates the town and the ancient village, serving as a spectacular artistic and cultural attraction. Today, it houses the Basilicata section of the Italian Castles Institute.
Its beauty can also be admired in the fresco preserved in the Hall of Coats of Arms at the episcopal palace of Matera.
A taste of times gone by
Visiting Cancellara, with its 1,300 inhabitants, means savoring the true spirit of Basilicata. What strikes you while walking through its ancient streets are the details, perfectly in harmony with the landscape and its colors. For this reason, and for the generous hospitality of its people, one falls in love with this place.
Directions
If you’re traveling by car, we recommend using a GPS navigator, which will allow you to reach us in the shortest time possible, regardless of your departure location.
The nearest train station is Potenza Centrale. We recommend booking a taxi in advance, which can easily reach us in about 20 minutes.
The closest airports are Naples and Bari. We recommend booking a vehicle of your choice and then following the directions provided above.
Extend the experience by visiting Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019
Just a few kilometers from Cancellara, Matera, known as the “City of Stones,” is one of the oldest cities in the world, with settlements dating back around 10,000 years.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera has been an important attraction for great filmmakers and artists.
Live the experience
