The territory where oil is present draws an irregular geometric profile, with very accentuated altimetric variations, and offers a panorama of indisputable charm... #tuttitaly
Considered the "Italian Texas" for its vast oil reserves, Viggiano is a Lucanian village of 3367 inhabitants. It is perched from the top of the mountain, offering an enchanting view of the Agri River valley.
Above all, the village is famous for being the most significant center of religious worship in the Val d'Agri.
On the top of the sacred Monte di Viggiano stands the most prominent and oldest Sanctuary in Basilicata, precisely on the spot where, according to a legend, the statue of the Black Madonna with the child was found between the 14th and 15th centuries, hidden in an attempt to protect it, by the Saracens.
In May and September, the celebrations of the Black Madonna of Viggiano, patron saint and queen of Lucania, are celebrated.
In May, the Madonna is transferred from the Basilica of the town to the Sanctuary of the Sacro Monte, carried on the shoulders of the faithful. In September, it is again held on the shoulders of the Mount to the Pontifical Basilica of the town. A majestic life-size bronze monument was dedicated to the bearers.
In 2014 Viggiano was the arrival point of the fifth stage of the 97th Giro d'Italia, won by Diego Ulissi.
Furthermore, the discovery of the Viggianese origins of Billie Joe Armstrong, front-man of the American musical band Green Day, to whom the city's mayor has recognized honorary citizenship, is also recent.
