It is a town in the province of Matera, located between the rivers of Agri and Cavone. The name "Mons Albanus" derives, according to some historians, from the Latin family name "Albius" very common in Southern Republican age, whereas, for others from "mons" (mountain) and "albius" (light), due to clay soils on which the village is located and which characterizes the surrounding area with its striking calanchi (badlands).
Archaeological finds unearthed testify that the area was inhabited since the Greek and Roman Ages. In the Middle Ages it fell under the domination of various feudal families.
Not to miss:
- the interesting archaeological discoveries, including the Villa Andriace (III century B.C.) and the famous Tables of Heraclea (IV century B.C.) on whose backside is engraved the Lex Iulia Municipalis of the I century B.C., now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Naples;
- the remains of the Norman walls;
- the beautiful arch del Pubblico Orgoglio (of Public Pride), an ancient city gate of the XVII century;
- the Church of Santa Maria dell'Episcopioe, which features inside a valuable XII century wooden statue;
- the remains of a "domus", built at the times of the Emperor Federico II, unique of its kind in the whole province of Matera.