Basilicata: Rocky Landscapes, Ancient Sites and Coastlines

Basilicata is a region in southern Italy with a remarkable combination of archaeological history, distinctive rocky landscapes, nature experiences, wine and coastal areas. The range extends from the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Matera to Pollino National Park and from ancient cities to a route between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas.

Matera and the Region’s Archaeological Layers

The UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera” is located in Basilicata. It encompasses houses, churches, monasteries and hermitages built into the natural caves of the Murgia. This limestone plateau stretches across deep gorges, rocks, caves and rock churches. Shepherds’ paths lined with wells and fortified farmsteads are also part of this landscape and give the surroundings their distinctive character.

The Venosa Archaeological Park preserves the monumental remains of ancient Venusia, which was founded in 291 BC. Its visitor route covers more than a millennium of history, from the Republican era to the Middle Ages. The Venosa Archaeological Park includes a Roman thermal complex built in the 1st century AD and renovated until the beginning of the 4th century AD. A digital tool with interactive maps, audio content and information about the most important monuments serves to provide orientation and deepen visitors’ understanding of the local history.

The Metaponto Archaeological Park preserves the monumental remains of a city founded by the Achaeans in the second half of the 7th century BC. It is one of the important archaeological sites of Magna Graecia. The sanctuary area of the Metaponto Archaeological Park contains remains of altars, small sanctuaries and important temples from the 6th and 5th centuries BC. The theatre is considered unique in Magna Graecia because it was built on an artificial embankment.

Mountains, Gorges and Activities

Pollino National Park lies between Basilicata and Calabria and covers almost 200,000 hectares. Its peaks reach 2,200 metres above sea level. The natural area includes dolomite rock, rock walls, cliffs, deep gorges, plateaus, meadows and high-altitude pastures. In the vicinity of Basilicata there are also Monte Costa la Rossa, Monte dell'Impiso and Monte Malerba, each of them mountains.

The Lao is considered a preferred destination for rafting and canoeing because of its clear waters and long gorge section. During the Volo dell'Angelo, visitors are secured with a special harness and attached to a steel cable to experience a flight over the landscape. The Torre dell'Acquedotto - punto di osservazione, a lookout point, is also located in the vicinity of Basilicata. The Basilicata Coast-to-Coast route leads from the rocky Tyrrhenian coast to the dunes of the Ionian coast.

Wine and Regional Specialities

The Basilicata Enotour offers walks through vineyards as well as an opportunity to learn about the history and wines of Basilicata in connection with the welcoming wineries of Movimento Turismo del Vino. At the August festival “Le giornate del Peperone di Senise. U Strittul ru Zafaran”, visitors can try peperoni cruschi in various culinary preparations.

Orientation for Planning Your Trip

When choosing your accommodation, you can align the focus of your trip with the available landscapes and cultural sites: Matera represents cave architecture and rock churches, Venosa and Metaponto represent different periods of ancient history, while Pollino is characterised by mountains, gorges and high-altitude pastures. For travel connections, FrecciaLink connects Salerno and Matera with a single train-and-bus ticket; intermediate stops are available at Potenza Centrale and Ferrandina-Scalo Matera.

For further regional orientation: Matera, Potenza. Other regions of Italy: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, South Tyrol, Calabria, Veneto, Sardinia.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Basilicata holiday - Basilicata travel guide.