BASILICATA
The ancient land.
This mountainous region has two coastlines, one in the center of the Gulf of Taranto in the Ionian Sea, and a tiny one on the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the famous sea resort of Maratea. The bare mountain landscapes slope down to the Ionian Sea.
A mainly mountainous region between Apulia and Calabria, heavily forested in the north around Monte Vulture, a large extinct volcano. Many rivers flow down from the southern Appennines into the Gulf of Taranto, irrigating the fertile coastal plain behind Metaponto the birthplace of Pythagoras. One of the most important towns of the Magna Graecia – don’t miss the archaeological site with the Tavole Palatine temple.
MATERA
Matera was made upon rock-cliffs called “sassi”.
The geological mass consists of a mineral-like porous calcium carbonate, which is very soft. Erosion and human activity in early times led to the formation of deep cavities in the “rock” (i.e. caves and tunnels), which were simple to expand with primitive tools. These caves were used as homes, or replace for animals. This labirint of rocks and caves is now an enticing tourist destination. UNESCO proclamed Matera as a world heritage site.
In the area of Matera there is a great number of small churches, some of which are difficult to reach. They were dug right into the tuff or built into natural caves.
The geological mass consists of a mineral-like porous calcium carbonate, which is very soft. Erosion and human activity in early times led to the formation of deep cavities in the “rock” (i.e. caves and tunnels), which were simple to expand with primitive tools. These caves were used as homes, or replace for animals. This labirint of rocks and caves is now an enticing tourist destination. UNESCO proclamed Matera as a world heritage site.
In the area of Matera there is a great number of small churches, some of which are difficult to reach. They were dug right into the tuff or built into natural caves.
When evening falls and lights of “Sassi” can be seen, the atmosphere is truly unforgottable!
THE MUSEUM
Domenico Ridola National Archaeological museum ; National and modern Medieval Art Museum ; The small ethnographical museums such as “Case Grotta”.
THE EVENTS
The extremly old Madonna della Bruna festival is not to be missed. From dawn on 2July of each year the city honours its patron. An evocative procession inaugurates the festival and after the celebration of Holy Mass in the Chatedral, the statue of the Madonna della Bruna is raised onto a large and original papiermaché float. Each year the float is made by a local artist and escorted by costumed cavaliers.
There are numerous shows, sporting and cultural events, classic jazz music concerts, that are mainly organised during the summer.
FOOD & WINE
Matera bread (the IGP brand), with its typical cornet shape, is valued for its scent, fragrance, taste and the pale yellow colour of its bread-crumbs. It is also often used in the preparation of dishes in the culinary tradition of Matera. Their baked products are also excellent.
POLICORO
There is the important Museum of Magna Grecia.
MARATEA
Maratea is an authentic pearl in the Tyrrhenyan sea. Here the mountains descends to the emerald green sea. Its beauty is expressed in channels, sand bars and inlets enriched by small beaches that are each different, creating an absolutely charming coast.
Enjoy the sun and then immerge in the crystal clear water to explore the sea bottom through many caves and grottoes, or even enjoy a sea excursion, on a sailboat. unspoiled beaches. In the medieval town visit the 17th century convent of S.Francesco and get an unforgettable panorama if you take a stroll up to the hill where the huge statue of Christ, symbol of Maratea, is situated.
Maratea offers the vitality of uncontaminated nature, which is surprisingly topped by a thiny city and grouping of houses. In fact Maratea is not only about the sea. Just a few kilometers away the heights of the National Park of the Pollino or the Monte Sirino, which are ski destinations in he winter and in the summer they offer the opportunity for excursions and hiking in forests and ravines, as well as thrilling rafting possibilities.
THE REDEEMER
The white statue of Christ in Maratea rises imposingly above the village and the coast. It almost underlines the secret charm that is both a land of sea and mountains. To reach the statue and admire the breathtaking panorama from above, whith the Mediterranean greenery and a length of sea thaat is captured by the gulf of Policastro, requires taking a series of switchbacks that snake along the top of the mountain. The climb is challenging, but view unequalled.
THE EVENTS
Feast of the transition of St. Biagio memorabilia (starts from the first saturday of may and last through a week).
Fish Festival: In Europa square local fisher offers their sea delicacies to tourists and sea fruit taste lovers.
Fish Festival: In Europa square local fisher offers their sea delicacies to tourists and sea fruit taste lovers.
POTENZA
The most important sight here, off the main Piazza Prefettura (also known as Piazza Pagano), is the church of San Francesco, which contains a Byzantine-style icon of the Madonna del Terremoto and an elaborate sixteenth-century tomb.
San Gerardo Chatedral
The festival Lights of Potenza
San Gerardo Chatedral
The festival Lights of Potenza
SELLATA
(Skiing place)
(Skiing place)
Sellata is found nearby Potenza and is easily accessible by car.
The visibility is almost always good, you can rent ski equipment, there are 2 ski slopes, the scenery is nice, you can ski in the shadow of trees.
METAPONTO
An enchanting archaeological site placed along the ionian coast, there are old ruins in Metaponte. It was founded in VII century BC by Greek settlers, and theNational Archaeological Museum is an important destination.
Today Metaponto is a nice tourist destination expecially for summer trip. White sand and a long seafront make of Metaponto good place for enjoying your summertime.
CASTELMEZZANO
A fairy-tale rock landscape. Castelmezzano is considered one of the most beautiful village in Italy.
PIETROAPERTOSA
VIGGIANO
SAN SEVERINO LUCANO
MIGLIONICO
Malconsiglio Castle
MONTICCHIO LAKE
Rich vegetation, characterised by beech, pine, fir and chestnut woods, create an enchanting frame to the Monticchio Lakes. They formed on the crater of the extinguished volcano of Vulture.
The Lago Piccolo (Small Lake) and the Lago Grande (Big Lake) are separated by a stream.
They look like two gems that, during the day, reflect the glows of the green nature moulding and confusing themselves in it and, during the night, create a very evocative landscape.
The Lago Piccolo (Small Lake) and the Lago Grande (Big Lake) are separated by a stream.
They look like two gems that, during the day, reflect the glows of the green nature moulding and confusing themselves in it and, during the night, create a very evocative landscape.
(XI-Xll century).
On slopes of the ancient crater of Vulture volcano, it was built the Benedictine Abbey of St. Michele Arcangelo, rised around one of the grottoes inhabited by basiliani monks. Into a crypt are stored tracks of fresco paintings date back to XI century.
On slopes of the ancient crater of Vulture volcano, it was built the Benedictine Abbey of St. Michele Arcangelo, rised around one of the grottoes inhabited by basiliani monks. Into a crypt are stored tracks of fresco paintings date back to XI century.
This zone is moreover rich in mineral spring used as table water.
THE IONIAN COAST
POLLINO NATIONAL PARK
The Pollino National Park is located at the intersection of Basilicata and Calabria and the provinces of Potenza and Cosenza.
The Pollino mountain range divides the two regions.
The Pollino mountain range divides the two regions.
Ideal for relaxing holidays for the mind and full of adventure and magic. E 'can enjoy the untouched nature, cute animals that inhabit the forest, there are many paths for walking or if your body allows, try their hand at more challenging activities such as rafting on the river Lao.
Just rcarsi Center Rafting Explorer Lao which is Orsomarso (Cs) in the Pollino National Park, you will find courtesy, hospitality, reasonable prices and even a pool to enjoy even more.
WWF takes care of this wonderful and memorable park.
Just rcarsi Center Rafting Explorer Lao which is Orsomarso (Cs) in the Pollino National Park, you will find courtesy, hospitality, reasonable prices and even a pool to enjoy even more.
WWF takes care of this wonderful and memorable park.
Important tourist destinations in the Pollino National Park is the sanctuary of the Madonna del Pollino is located at 1500 meters, the area dell'ACQUATREMOLA, between Casa del Conte and Mezzana, PIANO RUGGIO, this is where the Rifugio de Gasperi, to 1500 meters of altitude, at the foot of the highest peaks of the massif.
On Lucan side of the Pollino blooming woods Magnano, there is a refuge where you can eat well and sleep.
OTHER BEAUTYFUL DESTINATIONS
ALIANO; MONTESCAGLIOSO; PISTICCI; SAN GIORGIO LUCANO; STIGLIANO; VULTURE AREA.
