Sant'Angelo Le Fratte is a charming village located on the slopes of Mount Carpineto, a majestic mountain overlooking the Melandro valley. This small town, surrounded by lush and unspoiled nature, fits perfectly into a hilly setting characterized by natural springs, vineyards, olive groves and expanses of wheat. The historic center is famous for its vibrant murals, works of art that decorate the facades of the houses along the alleys, making every walk a journey through local culture and tradition.
The ancient origins of the village
The historical roots of Sant'Angelo Le Fratte go back to antiquity, with the first settlements dating back to the 4th century B.C., in the Greco-Roman era. However, it was in the Middle Ages, around the 11th century, that the village began to take shape. The village's original name, “Castrum Sancti Angeli de Fratis,” reflects the inhabitants' deep devotion to St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint. The second part of the name, “Le Fratte,” comes from the Latin verb “frango,” meaning to split, a clear reference to the mountain Carpineto.
An open-air museum
The historic center of Sant'Angelo Le Fratte is a veritable open-air museum. More than 150 murals adorn the alleys and squares, each with a specific theme that chronicles local life and traditions. From religious-themed works in the “Worship” route to murals celebrating peasant culture and classical mythology, every corner of the village offers an artistic surprise. Further enriching the experience, numerous life-size marble and bronze sculptures seem to welcome visitors, sharing with them moments of daily life in the past and present.
The historical and artistic heritage
Notable monuments include the Palazzo Galasso, home of the Town Hall, which also houses the Pinacoteca Civica “Michele Antonio Saverio Cancro", a treasure trove of art with 243 works donated by the artist of the same name. Outside the town, in Santa Maria Fellana, is Villa Giacchetti, an elegant 18th-century residence with Rococo frescoes. Another must-see attraction is the Polyester Nativity, a work permanently displayed in the cave of the ancient Basilian Convent.
The spirituality of the village
Spirituality is another defining element in the life of Sant'Angelo Le Fratte, as evidenced by its churches rich in art and history. The Mother Church, dedicated to Santa Maria ad Nives, is striking for its three-nave interior and the works of art it holds, including a crucifix from 1726 and statues from the 18th century. Also notable is the Church of the Annunziata, with a sculptural group of the Pieta reminiscent of Flemish art. Rounding out the village's religious heritage is the Franciscan Hermitage in Contrada Campo di Venere, a place of meditation embellished with paintings and bas-reliefs.
The wineries and the food and wine trail
One of the most striking attractions of Sant'Angelo Le Fratte are its ancient wine cellars, there are more than 100 of them, dug directly into the rock. These spaces, used to store wine, cheese and cold cuts, represent a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. Every year, during the month of August, the cellars become the protagonists of the wine and food trail “Le Cantine di Sant'Angelo Le Fratte,” offering visitors an unforgettable experience among the flavors and scents of the Lucanian land.
