Reports Points of interest I have been there Magazine Webcam

Basilicata

Profile image

Edited by:

Last Visit: 17/06/2022
regions
Europe
Italy

Access

Accessibility to Basilicata is guaranteed by various connections, albeit with some limitations related to the morphology of the territory. The nearest airports are Bari-Karol Wojtyła, about 90 km away, and Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi, about one hundred kilometres. The main railway station is Potenza, connected to Salerno and Naples, while Matera is served by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane with direct connections to Bari. The road network relies on the A2 Mediterranean motorway, with exits leading to Potenza and other inland locations. State and regional roads complete the road network, although in some mountainous areas connections can be less easy.

Introduction

Basilicata, also known as Lucania, is located in the heart of southern Italy and borders Campania, Puglia and Calabria. It is a region characterised by a predominantly mountainous and hilly landscape that slopes down to two seas: the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the rocky coast of the Gulf of Policastro, and the Ionian Sea, with the sandy coast of the Gulf of Taranto. This double opening to the sea, combined with the ruggedness of the Lucanian Apennines and the presence of plateaus and valleys, gives the area a strong natural and cultural identity. Despite being one of the least populated regions in Italy, Basilicata is home to some of the country's most picturesque and evocative villages, along with world-class sites such as the Sassi di Matera, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Description

The territory is dominated by imposing reliefs such as Mount Pollino and Mount Sirino, which exceed 2,000 metres, and the extinct volcano of Mount Vulture, whose area is home to the Monticchio Lakes. The Lucanian Dolomites, with their spectacular rock profiles, are another emblematic scenery. Around 30 % of the regional surface is protected by parks and nature reserves: the Pollino National Park, the Lucano-Val d'Agri-Lagonegrese Apennines National Park and the Gallipoli Cognato and Piccole Dolomiti Lucane Regional Park are treasure troves of biodiversity, home to rare species such as the Loricate Pine. The coasts complete this picture with different environments: sandy and shallow stretches on the Ionian, spectacular and rugged on the Tyrrhenian.

The history of Basilicata is marked by an extraordinary stratification of civilisations. Prehistoric settlements were followed by the Greek colonies of Magna Graecia, which left traces at Metaponto and Heraclea. With the Romans, the territory was crossed by consular roads, while in the Middle Ages it suffered Byzantine, Lombard and Norman rule, which enriched the region with castles, abbeys and fortified centres. Matera is unique worldwide with its rupestrian urbanism, developed in the famous Sassi. In the 19th century, Basilicata was the scene of post-unification brigandage, which helped consolidate its image as a rugged and rebellious land.

In economic terms, the region has long maintained an agricultural and pastoral vocation, now enriched by industrial and technological sectors. Agriculture produces nationally recognised excellence: Aglianico del Vulture, Senise peppers, Matera bread, extra virgin olive oil and dairy products. Industrial areas, such as the Melfi automotive pole, have boosted development, while the oil resources of the Val d'Agri represent an important part of Italy's energy economy.

Basilicata's culture and traditions are deeply rooted and often linked to rituals of archaic origin. The 'arboreal rites', such as the Maggio di Accettura, bear witness to ancient forms of nature worship, while the Madonna della Bruna festival in Matera is one of the most heartfelt and spectacular religious celebrations in southern Italy. The anthropologist Ernesto De Martino documented magical-religious practices and rituals that have contributed to making Lucania a unique laboratory for the study of Mediterranean folklore. In the kitchen, simple and genuine dishes reflect the peasant tradition, with specialities such as homemade pasta, cured meats, cheeses, stuffed aubergines and the ever-present 'peperoni cruschi'.

For nature lovers and hikers, Basilicata offers a wide variety of experiences. The Pollino trails run through beech forests and panoramas stretching as far as the Tyrrhenian Sea, while the Lucanian Dolomites are criss-crossed by spectacular itineraries and attractions such as the 'Flight of the Angel', linking the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. The Monticchio Lakes, set in a volcanic crater, offer evocative and peaceful landscapes. Finally, the coasts offer very different sceneries: Maratea, with its cliffs and Christ the Redeemer, is one of the most famous centres of the Tyrrhenian Sea, while Metaponto and Policoro recall Greek roots and offer wide Ionian beaches.

Information

Capital: Potenza
Area: 10,073 sq km
Minimum elevation: 0m
Maximum elevation: 2,248m - Mount Pollino
Number of inhabitants: 575,884 (28.02.15)
Name in dialect: Lucania
Inhabitants: Lucanians
Provinces:Province of Matera, Province of Potenza
Municipalities: 131
Bordering regions: Calabria, Campania, Puglia
Institutional site: www.regione.basilicata.it

Territory

Cultural Heritage

Ospitality 

Collections

Itineraries