Lauria

Lauria is the largest and most populous town in the Valle del Noce. It is divided into two districts: Lauria Superiore, known as the '"Castello" and Lauria Inferiore, the "Borgo". In the highest part of the village, the remains of the Castle of Ruggero di Lauria, the famous admiral of the fleet of the Aragonese kingdom of Naples, are still visible. In the old town, with its houses clinging to the hillside, one seems to relive the medieval era, amidst characteristic narrow streets, intricate lanes, arches, porticoes and harmonious architectural motifs. A precious heritage of wrought iron railings and gates, stone portals, heraldic coats of arms and decorated cornices of noble palaces. Strolling through the alleys, one is inebriated by the aromas emanating from the kitchens: homemade pasta, barbecued or roasted meat, cheeses and the many varieties of cold cuts.

Lauria is the hometown of actor and director Rocco Papaleo and of Blessed Domenico Lentini, the city's patron saint, whose relics are preserved inside the mother church of San Nicola di Bari, a pilgrimage destination throughout the year.