The provinces of Basilicata: a journey between Matera and Potenza, jewels of southern Italy
The Basilicata provinces: troglodyte villages, mountains and traditions
La Basilicatanestled between Apuliaand Campania and Calabria Calabriais a little-known region of southern Italy. It is divided into two contrasting territories: the province of Materafamous for its UNESCO-listed troglodyte town, and the province of Potenza the province of Potenzadominated by the Pollino mountains and the hilltop villages of the Dolomiti Lucane.
These two provinces of Basilicata embody the diversity, tradition and authenticity of an Italy apart, far from the tourist circuits.
The province of Matera: the troglodyte city and local flavours
The province of Matera province of Matera without mentioning the Sassitroglodytic districts carved out of the limestone rock and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. These labyrinthine alleyways and their rock churches offer a journey through time.
In 2019, Matera has been European Capital of Cultureconfirming its status as one of southern Italy's cultural gems.
Around the city, the Murgia materana unfolds its arid landscapes, while the fertile plains of the Bradano and the Ionian beaches of Metaponto recall the region's Greek heritage.
Flavours to discover :
Pane di Matera PGIemblematic sourdough bread;
Peperoni cruschidried and fried red peppers;
Lucanicaa traditional sausage from ancient Rome;
Baccalà alla lucanasimmered cod with peppers and tomatoes.
The province of Potenza: wild mountains and hilltop villages
To the west, the province of Potenza with its majestic landscapes and preserved rural traditions.
The Pollino National Parkthe Monte Sirino and the Dolomiti lucane offer spectacular panoramas. The primary beech forestsclassified by UNESCO, are home to a rare biodiversity and are an invitation to hike.
The villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosaclinging to the mountainside, are ranked among most beautiful in Italy. As for Marateaon the Tyrrhenian coast, with its cliffs, turquoise coves and monumental statue of the Christ the Redeemer.
Local specialities :
Caciocavallo podolicomountain-aged cheese;
Agnello alla lucanalamb simmered in herbs ;
Strascinatiartisanal fresh pasta ;
Aglianico del Vulture DOCa volcanic red wine with a powerful character.
Basilicata: a land of a thousand faces
Between Matera and PotenzaBasilicata reveals a rare richness:
contrasting landscapes, between sea and mountains ;
a farming culture heir to a thousand years of history;
a authentic gastronomyboth rustic and refined.
Visit the provinces of Basilicatais to discover an authentic Italy where natural beauty blends with tradition and conviviality.
