Laino Castello

Known especially for its old town, abandoned in the early 1980s, it is one of the municipalities in the Pollino National Park. The origins of Laino date back to the second half of the 7th or early 6th century BC. It is not yet certain whether it was a colony of Magna Grecia, founded by the survivors of the destruction of Sybaris, or if it was founded by the survivors of Lavinium. Of great importance throughout the area was Basilian monasticism. Basilic monks began to plant in the territory a series of laureates, chapels, churches and monasteries that increased the religious and cultural importance of Laino and the surrounding area. The name of Laino Castello Vecchio refers to ancient village on the Colle San Teodoro where, centuries before, the Longobards founded their unmistakable fortress, from which descended the living nucleus still standing. The village still has steep streets, remains of doors, towers and fortifications typical of the medieval plant. In addition to the ruins of the Castle, a series of natural caves used by the monks in Byzantine period and later used for civilian dwellings remain on the hillside, as proof of the ancient times of the village.