Atella
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Atella (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza, located 39 km from Potenza. Area: 88 km². Alt. 500 m. It is situated in the Vitalba Valley, named for a now-lost medieval farmstead. The surrounding area is covered by thick woods, and has many springs. Much of the commune is cultivated with cereal crops.
The town was founded by John of Anjou between 1320 and 1330 in order to increase the population of the area. It enjoyed increased prosperity during the 14th and 15th centuries. The town still retains sections of the original medieval walls and a gate, the Porta S. Michele. There are the remains of an Angevin tower which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1694.
The principal religious monuments are the Cathedral of S. Maria ad Nives and the Church of Santa Lucia.
Evidence of human habitation dating from the Paleolithic era have been discovered in the vicinity.