Basilicata
Peaceful, pristine and prehistoric, this is a somewhat unknown southerly region of outstanding natural beauty, where everyday life runs at the right pace. A journey of discovery amongst the harsh and wild splendour of its mountainous terrains, dense forests, and jagged cliffs, lapped by Europe’s cleanest waters. The towns, monuments and villages testify a past of magnificence with castles reminiscent of distant ages.
- Matera: A city unlike any other in the world, carved out of white tuff and the blinding Mediterranean sun. The Matera of the ‘Sassi’ is a city carved out of the rock, formed by one of the most suggestive city environments in the world, classified by UNESCO as a legacy of humanity to be passed on to future generations. The Sassi, Barisano and Caveoso, set on the deep slopes of a valley, with cavernous meanders and underground labyrinths, hide relics of a remote past rich in culture and history. Caves and underground architecture are connected by steps carved out of the cliffs and are enclosed by dry-stone walls bounding small vegetable gardens, authentic stone gardens to be tilled, where the fertile strength of the vegetable world reveals its utmost potency. Wandering along the streets of this underground city you run into ancient places of worship, used to celebrate in the depths of the earth the nuptials of sun and stone. To this archaic city fabric, medieval monasticism brought new sap: countless hermitages, churches and hypogean basilicas rise on the sides of the ravine and in secondary valleys. Some crypts are decorated with frescoes that are often well conserved, many in Byzantine style.
- Metaponto: Impressive remains of Roman temples (including the 'Palatine Tablets') and the valuable collection of exhibits in the local 'Antiquarium' bear witness to the important part played by this city, which was one of the most illustrious of Magna Grecia. Metaponto also has a fine beach and over 12 miles along the road to Calabria and offers us a chance to make two interesting tours: to the ruins of Heraclea (7th-4th centuries BC) and the the 'Museo Nazionale della Siritide' (at Policoro).
- Melfi: A very powerful town in the Middle Ages, it was the residence of Norman Kings and later Frederick II. In addition to the many churches hewn into the rock is the cathedral with its bell tower (1153) and the majestic historic castle built by the Normans.
- Maratea: One of Italy's most beautiful beach resorts is little known to foreigners, Maratea has all the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, yet is far more tranquil and affordable, it has miles and miles of dense forests, clear water, pleasant beaches and coves, friendly residents, typical local ‘trattorie’ and great fish restaurants. The medieval town of Maratea is charming too. Its steep narrow streets are lined with loggias, ornate portals and small shops selling local food specialties and crafts, which include lace, wooden objects and colourful ceramics (at affordable prices!). Visit the unusual two-storey cloisters in the 17th Century ex-convent of San Francesco. The locals are very proud of the gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowning the summit of lofty Mount Biagio, where unforgettable views of the coastline from the belvedere can be enjoyed.
