Atena Lucana
Atena Lucana, is the most ancient settlement of the 37 km-wide valley known as Vallo di Diano. A necropolis dating back as early as the 7th – 6th century BC, bears witness to the early Greek presence in the region. The discovery of an early inscription written in Oscan language, demonstrates that the Greek influence gradually disappeared, during the 4th century BC in favour of the native people of Lucania. Under the Romans, the area was named Atìnas and, due to its location, became an important gateway for traffic reaching the south of the Italian peninsula. The old town centre has a very unusual plan developing in concentric circles, full of historical buildings like the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
