San Mauro Forte is a farming centre in the Lucanian Apennines, set on a spur of sedimentary tuff, 565 metres above sea level, and about 50 km from the sea.
The landscape of San Mauro Forte is characterised by age-old olive plantations, mainly the Majatica variety; they are set out in rows and follow the natural course of the slopes.
The origins of these olive groves, which lie close to the town, are ancient; they date back to when the town was founded and protected the town from the risk of Barbarian raids.