We stand before Avigliano's oldest and most emblematic symbol:the Square ArchThis evocative archway, which today opens onto Emanuele Gianturco Square, once marked the main entrance to the medieval town. Its history is both fascinating and deeply intertwined with Avigliano’s past. An inscription above the arch, dated 1844 and placed there during a restoration, suggests that this gateway may date back as far as the 9th century. However, the accuracy of this claim remains uncertain, as it's unclear whether the inscription's author relied on earlier records, which may have been lost or removed during renovations.

The arch’s elegant classical design is immediately noticeable. Built with a rounded, full-span arch, it features a double groove accentuating its soft, harmonious lines. The supporting pillars, displaying the same refined craftsmanship, rest on simple yet sturdy bases. The overall style recalls late Renaissance architecture, when the gateway's original function—once crucial for defining the town’s borders—began to lose importance as urban expansion extended beyond the square.

The slight misalignment between the supporting pillars and the arch is curious. This irregularity suggests that the structure may have initially belonged elsewhere and was later dismantled and adapted to fit this location, possibly to accommodate the town's evolving needs. Looking closely, you can still see traces of squared framing on the outer edge of the archivolt, hinting at an even older structure that once stood here.

However, the Square Arch is not just a silent witness to architectural changes; it carries a dark and dramatic story passed down through generations. According to local tradition, this spot became the setting for a grim event: the execution of Giuseppe Nicola Summa, better known as “Ninco Nanco,” one of the most infamous Lucanian brigands. On March 13, 1864, after his capture and execution, his lifeless body was displayed on an iron hook fixed between the arch and a nearby stone plaque—a stark and chilling conclusion to a violent chapter of post-unification Italy.

The Square Arch is more than just an ancient gateway; it is a bridge between past and present, where echoes of history still resonate. It invites visitors to pause, observe, and imagine the many lives and events that have unfolded here over the centuries—a silent yet powerful testament to Avigliano’s layered and complex past.