Roccanova, a small village also known as the “city of wine” since the renowned “Grottino di Roccanova”, awarded with the DOC label, was born in its territory. It is a centre of about 1500 inhabitants standing within the perimeter of the Val d ‘Agri. An ancient Norman stronghold, Roccanova preserves its ancient medieval structure, consisting of imposing noble palaces. Of particular interest is Palazzo Fortunato (19th century), declared in 1995 a cultural asset with “monumental restriction” following a decree of the Ministry for Cultural and Environmental Heritage. Also interesting is Palazzo Mendaia, an example of 18th century architecture.
In Piazza del Popolo, on the wall of an ancient tower, there is a sundial of particular historical-artistic importance: it was made in 1882 by Eng. Telfi, who arrived years earlier in Roccanova as the captain of a brigade of Bersaglieri who fought banditry.
There are several churches in Roccanova: among these of particular interest is the one dedicated to San Nicholas of Bari (XII century), which hosts an eighteenth-century wooden sculpture depicting the Annunciation of Angel Gabriel to the Madonna, made by sculptor Patalano. Other churches are San Rocco, Santa Maria delle Grazie and SS. Annunziata while, on the high ground of the “Serre”, at 884 meters above sea level, there is the Church-Sanctuary of Madonna della Castellana.
From the archaeological standpoint, the finds discovered in the Serra and Marcellino districts are appreciable evidence of the ancient indigenous settlements in the area.