It is said that the inhabitants of "Marcellinum", the lower area of the current town, went over the hill to escape from the unhealthy air caused by marshes and plague.

The municipality borders with Buonabitacolo, Casalbuono, Grumento Nova, Lagonegro, Moliterno, Padula, Sanza and Tramutola.

[3] It counts the hamlets (frazioni) of Arenabianca, Cessuta, Magorno, Montesano Scalo, Prato Comune and Tardiano.

"Cerreta-Cognola" regional park is a wonderful green oasis which hosts a large wood of centuries-old trees.

It is characterised by short winters with low temperatures in the highland area and by warm summers.