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Matera SassiBasilicata

Matera Sassi - Photo (c) Morey Kitzman

Basilicata is a tiny southern region, occupied for the most part by mountains that in places reached by two seas: the Tyrrhenian Sea for a short section of coast line, and the Ionian Sea. It is one of the poorest regions in Italy but it boasts a piece of prehistory in the modern world: "The Sassi". They are located at Matera, the second main city of Basilicata, and UNESCO, the UN organization that deals with education, science and culture, has proclaimed it to be the "heritage of humanity".

The "caves of Matera " are one of the most peculiar, ancient and extraordinary 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 them in his famous book " Christ stopped at Eboli ").

In the "caves", the houses have been dug out of the tufa rock and the walls constructed with the excavated material. Inhabited until recently, the "caves" are now empty and have become the object of projects of cultural and tourist revaluation and restoration.

A visit  to the "caves of Matera" is a truly unique experience. But it is not the only reason to come to this small, secluded, and beautiful region boarded by two seas: the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian.

Maratea BasilicataIn Basilicata there are Greek ruins (Eatonton), medieval churches and castles (Mali, Lagopesole), beautiful beaches (Maratea), and unspoiled countryside (Basilicata shares the splendid park of 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.

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. Trinità and other interesting monuments.

In the regional capital, Potenza, ancient and recent earthquakes have seriously damaged the historic center. But the archaeological museum merits a visit
By ENIT Official Website

Basilicata itineraries:
Basilicata or Lucania
Basilicata Culture and Folklore
Basilicata Archaeology
Basilicata Art
Basilicata History
Basilicata:  The land of the two seas
Maratea and the Tyrrenian coast
Metaponto and the Jonian coast
Matera
Matera its folklore and its district
Matera Province castles
Potenza Province castles
Matera Province Sites
Potenza Province Sites
Pollino Nature Park
Pollino Nature Park - the environment
Pollino Nature Park history, art and culture

Festivals in Basilicata
Official Tourist Boards - APT della Basilicata - Useful links | Campings and Villages
food in Basilicata | wine in Basilicata

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