Village of Badolato

Badolato Borgo is the picturesque medieval hilltop historic centre of the municipality of Badolato (CZ), part of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy circuit. The origins of the fortified village date back to the time of Robert Guiscard (1080), when the castle (now lost like the original walls) was erected. The fiefdom of several noble families (Ruffo, Di Francia, Toraldo, Ravaschieri, Pinelli and Pignatelli), Badolato became an important religious reference point, frequented by Basilian, Franciscan and Dominican monks, who established numerous confraternities that are still active today, in particular for the rites of the famous Badolato Holy Week. 

Among the alleyways and panoramic belvederes (Belvedere Amato, in Piazza Castello, and Belvedere di Piazza Bastione, which overlooks the Church of the Immacolata) one can admire ancient vestiges, such as the Bell Tower; noble palaces, such as Palazzo Gallelli, now the site of exhibitions and cultural events, as well as a tourist info-point. A gem? The ‘’Talking Stones‘’ set into some of the buildings' façades, the work of the artist Gianni Verdiglione, evoking episodes of local history and ancient legends. Among the numerous churches are the Church of the Immaculate Conception, very old and in a panoramic position, the true monumental symbol of Badolato Borgo; the Mother Church, the Church of San Salvatore and the Church of Santa Caterina. Also not to be missed is the 17th century Convent of the Angels, on the panoramic hill overlooking the village. Characteristic of Badolato Borgo are the so-called ‘catoi’ (ancient cellars), open to the public mainly during the summer and Easter events that enliven the historic centre.