Roccadaspide
The origins of the town's name have been the object of some controversy. According to some historians the name comes from the vi Aspide, Asp, because snakes where very abundant in the region town, surrounded by chestnut woods and high up over the vast valley of the Calore river, appears in historical records of the 10th century as Roccae, in later times as Rocca de Aspro, Rocca dell Aspide the 17th Century and finally as Roccadaspide, as it is known today. The majestic fortress that dominates the valley was built in 1270 when the area was beset by armed conflicts during the reign of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. Visitors will also be able to admire some of the medieval buildings erected here by the Lombards visible today. Also of interest are the Churches of the Assunta and of the Natività, the ruins of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie e the imposing castle that dominates the town.