Basilicata is a minuscule southern region, occupied for the most part by mountains that
in places reaches two seas: the Tyrrhenian Sea for a short section of its coast
line, and the Ionian Sea on the other side. It is one of the poorest regions in Italy but it
boasts a piece of prehistory in the contemporary world: "The Sassi". They are
located at Matera, the second main city of Basilicata, and UNESCO, the UN
organization that deals with culture, science and culture, has proclaimed it
to be an "heritage of humanity".
The "caves of Matera" are one of the
most peculiar, ancient and unusual human settlements in the world, which
have drawn the attention of scholars and artists from all over the world. The
Italian writer Carlo Levi spoke of the Sassi in his famous book "Christ stopped at Eboli".
Here in the "caves", the houses have been dug out of the tufa rock and the walls constructed with the excavated material. Occupied until recently, the "caves" are now empty and have become the object of projects of cultural and tourist revaluation and renovation.
In addition to a visit to the "caves of Matera", that is a truly unique experience, there are other reasons to come to this small, secluded, and beautiful region boarded by two seas: the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian.
In Basilicata there are Greek ruins (Eatonton), medieval churches
and castles (Mali, Lagopesole), beautiful beaches (Maratea),
and unspoiled countryside, as Basilicata shares the splendid park of the Pollino with Calabria.
And Matera does not only have its "caves": the remarkable blend
of Romanesque and Baroque styles in the Church of S. Francesco, for example, is
also fascinating.
In the regional capital, Potenza, even if ancient and
recent earthquakes have seriously damaged the historic center, the
archaeological museum merits a visit.
Finally, why not plan a visit to Venosa, birthplace of
the great and wise Latin poet Horace?
Here, among other attractions, it is
possible to admire the medieval Abbey of SS. Trinita' and other
interesting monuments.
Basilicata
Here in the "caves", the houses have been dug out of the tufa rock and the walls constructed with the excavated material. Occupied until recently, the "caves" are now empty and have become the object of projects of cultural and tourist revaluation and renovation. 
And Matera does not only have its "caves": the remarkable blend
of Romanesque and Baroque styles in the Church of S. Francesco, for example, is
also fascinating. 