>
back to map of Italy
Information
about the region of Basilicata:
A
piece of prehistory in the modern world.. This is found at
Matera, the second main city of Basilicata, and UNESCO, the
UN organisation that deals with education, science and culture,
has proclaimed it to be the "heritage of humanity".
It is the "caves of Matera", 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 touristic 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 (Metaponto),
medieval churches and castles (Melfi, Lagopesole), beautiful
beaches (Maratea), and unspoilt 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 centre. But
the archaeological museum merits a visit.
Basilicata - some links
to this region:
http://powernet.it/apt
www.regione.basilicata.it/consiglio/conoscerebasilicata/default.htm
Travel and traffic routes, excursions:
http://www.sita-on-line.it/sito-basilicata/homebasilicata.htm
http://www.slasrl.it/
www.petruzziautolinee.it
http://www.fal-srl.it/index.php Italy
| Basilicata
| Potenza | Matera
| Senise
|