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Candela
"Whoever
climbs the hill of Saint Rocco, which rises on the southern side,
and turns to admire Candela, will be surprised by the enchanting view
and panorama. From the summit one can see symmetrically, almost inlayed
as in a mosaic, all the perspective of the Commune.
I have already said that Candela, seen from the plain reminds one
of the old Italian Municipal towns; but beheld from the afore said
hill, it resembles a miniature pass, a stream in a nearby horizon"
This
is the description of Candela as given by Casimiro Perifano, ex director
and archivist of the Polygraphic Institute of Capitanata, a scientific
journal published between 1833 and 1835. He was also director of a
private school and of the library of the City Council.
The position of Candela, situated on two hills, Saint Rocco and Saint
Thomas - renders the town particularly interesting for the traveller
who, as Perifano points out, will have the opportunity to enjoy a
vast horizon: from Mount Vulture, ex volcano of Basilicata, presently
inactive, to the valley of Ofanto and the extensive plains of Capitanata.
The
traveller who roams through the roads of this commune, which lead
in every possible direction, is easily charmed by the panorama of
this tiny town built on a hill.
The highest part of the town, including the Norman Castle, which today
is private property, is doubtlessly the most culturally rich and interesting.
The rhomboid shaped tower with its battlements recalls to mind the
glorious times of the marine republics, and all the characteristic
streets of the "Citadel" depart from this point.
Not
very far from the Castle, in the higher part of town, you can visit
one of the most ancient churches, dedicated to Saint Thomas (IXth
century).
We
also advise you to visit the Church of Purgatory, in the style of
the 1600s, which dominates the "Square of the Revolution"
and the Church dedicated to the Crowned Virgin which has a Roman architectural
structure.
The Principal Church (XVIIth century) has the characteristic plan
of an amphitheatre, and looks out on the main street of the town;
among its treasures a wash-stand dated 1601, a wooden cross of 1799
of Neapolitan School, a baptistry and a finely worked wooden choir.
On the other part of town, there is the small Church of Saint Rocco,
typically romanesque in style; on the main door of the church you
can see a splendid Byzantine mosaic.
Before you reach the highest part of town you have to go through a
number of gates; on one of these, the gate to the Citadel, you can
admire the beautiful icon which represents The Virgin and Child (Arch
of the Madonna).
Candela
is an extremely pleasant place to visit, not very "touristic"
and perhaps for this very reason more authentic and welcoming. A visit
to Candela gives you a better chance to taste, in its good
restaurants, the traditional local specialities.
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