Enchanted places: the Palmenti of Pietragalla

Among the lesser-known but most fascinating treasures of Basilicata stands out the Urban Park of the Palmenti of Pietragalla: a set of rock structures carved into sandstone, a “landscape of wine” that blends memory, rural aesthetics, and productive tradition. Telling its story means reflecting on the relationship between landscape, peasant populations, and the material wine culture of the South.

What does "palmenti" mean?

The “palmenti” – a term in the dialect and southern rural context referring to the troughs carved for pressing grapes and fermenting must – are, here, semi-subterranean cavities carved into the local sandstone bedrock.
They are arranged at different elevations in the ground so that the must could flow “by gravity” from a higher trough (where the pressing takes place) to a lower one (where fermentation occurs).
Air circulated through the entrance and small ventilation openings, while the coverings were often “covered with vegetation” or soil to integrate them into the landscape and protect from external water.

Some historical notes on the social and economic value of the Palmenti

The palmenti were not merely tools: they were community spaces linked to family work, local identity, and the sharing of winemaking techniques.
Until the 1950s and '60s, they played a central role in the local wine economy; when modern technologies and large wineries were adopted, leading to the gradual abandonment of the traditional system, many palmenti ceased their function.

How to reach them

The site consists of over 200 palmenti, distributed over approximately two hectares and in an area surrounding the village of Pietragalla.
They are located near provincial road 169 (Potenza-Spinazzola) and border zones of the rural territory in the southeast of the town.
The arrangement at different heights is related to the principle of utilizing gravity in the transfer of must between troughs, reducing manual effort and facilitating the management of the wine flow.

Visiting the Palmenti of Pietragalla not only means admiring a unique rural landscape but also coming into contact with the soul of Basilicata: a land that knows how to preserve its roots and proudly offer them to those who wish to listen. Here, every stone tells the story of peasant toil, every trough holds the fragrance of grapes, and every path invites you to discover the authentic taste of this region.

Those who choose to stay will find not only history but also genuine flavors, foods and wines that speak of tradition and the sincere hospitality of a people connected to their land. It is a journey that goes beyond the visit: it is an experience of memory, culture, and taste.

S&M