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Basilicata

Sicily Travel Guide

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Village on hillside in rural landscape

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Overview

Much of Basilicata is an otherworldly landscape of mountain ranges, trackless forests and villages that seem to sprout organically from the granite. Not easily penetrated, it is strategically located, and has been dominated by the Lucanians, Greeks, Romans, Germans, Lombards, Byzantines, Saracens, Normans and others. Being the plaything of such powers has not been conducive to a quiet or happy fate.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Exterior of the Chiesa San Pietro Barisano church in Matera, Italy.

    Chiesa San Pietro Barisano

    Matera

    Dating in its earliest parts to the 12th century, St Peter's, the largest of Matera's rupestrian churches, overlays an ancient honeycomb of niches where…

  • Palombaro Lungo

    Palombaro Lungo

    Matera

    This giant cistern, arguably as magnificent as a subterranean cathedral, is one of Matera's great sights. Lying under the city's main square with arches…

  • Casa Noha

    Casa Noha

    Matera

    Highly recommended as a precursor to visiting the sassi themselves, this wonderful 25-minute multimedia exhibit, spread across three rooms of a 16th…

  • The main cathedral of the Italian city of Matera

    Cathedral

    Matera

    Set high up on a spur between the two natural bowls of the sassi, the wan, graceful exterior of the 13th-century Pugliese-Romanesque cathedral makes the…

  • Italy, Basilicata, Matera, Crypt of the Original Sin. Detail. Bishop and diacon. (Photo by Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

    Cripta del Peccato Originale

    Matera

    A fascinating Benedictine site dating to the Lombard period, the Cripta del Peccato Originale (Crypt of Original Sin) houses well-preserved 8th-century…

  • The ancient frescoes of the Madonna Delle Virtu rocky church.

    Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù & Chiesa di San Nicola del Greci

    Matera

    This monastic complex, one of the most important monuments in Matera, comprises dozens of chambers carved into the tufa limestone over two floors. Chiesa…

  • Parco Archeologico

    Parco Archeologico

    Basilicata

    Not to be confused with the Tavole Palatine, the Parco Archeologico is a larger, if less immediately impressive collection of Metaponto ruins that…

  • Parco Archeologico di Grumentum

    Parco Archeologico di Grumentum

    Basilicata

    The Parco Archeologico di Grumentum – sometimes known as Basilicata's 'Little Pompeii' – contains remains of a theatre, an amphitheatre, Roman baths, a…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Discover the unique attractions, stunning landscapes and local traditions to include in your itinerary with 11 of the best things to do in Basilicata.

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Best Places to Visit

From breathtaking landscapes and ancient towns to relaxing beaches and thrilling adventures in this stunning Italian region.

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Go Beyond

Basilicata and beyond

Beyond Basilicata