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 Basilicata
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.
 In 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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(c) 1997-2008 E. Massetti
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