Matera is just an hour away and well worth the visit. It is known for its unique architecture and fascinating history. Carved into the rugged landscape, Matera is famed for its “Sassi” districts, where dwellings are built into the rock cliffs, creating a strikingly picturesque scene. Visit the Museo della Civiltà Contadina “Casa Grotta” (Museum of Peasant Civilization “House Cave”) to get a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of Matera’s inhabitants throughout the centuries. These cave dwellings, some dating back to prehistoric times, have earned Matera recognition as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. You may also recognize it as the backdrop in the James Bond movie “No Time to Die.”
Matera
About the Region:
Basilicata, tucked between Puglia and Calabria in southern Italy, remains one of the country’s most overlooked treasures. Visiting Basilicata feels like stepping into a secret Italy, where ancient traditions and dramatic landscapes remain untouched by mass tourism.
The region’s crown jewel is Matera, a city carved into stone, famous for its Sassi cave dwellings that have been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Walking through Matera’s labyrinth of cave homes, rock churches, and winding staircases feels like traveling back in time. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is stunning at sunrise or sunset, when golden light casts shadows over its stone facades.
Beyond Matera, Basilicata offers rugged natural beauty. Explore the wild Pollino National Park, Italy’s largest, where ancient pine trees, limestone peaks, and river gorges create a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Visit the hill town of Castelmezzano, dramatically clinging to jagged cliffs, and experience the thrill of the “Flight of the Angel” zip line over its spectacular valley.
Basilicata’s coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea is small but breathtaking, especially the seaside town of Maratea with its hidden pebble beaches, rocky coves, and towering Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the azure waters below.
Food in Basilicata is humble and flavorful: spicy peperoncini, hearty lamb dishes, handmade pasta, and robust wines like Aglianico del Vulture.
For travelers who crave authenticity, dramatic scenery, and quiet discoveries, Basilicata offers an unforgettable journey into Italy’s soulful and ancient heart.