Basilicata
Basilicata is embedded between Calabria and Apulia, in the south of Italy. One does not stumble across this region accidentally but chooses to visit it in search of a new experience, plunging into places where silence, colors, scents and flavors remove the visitor from the frenzy and stress of modern life and offer unique sensations. The woods and forests that cover the mountains are dotted with small and charming villages, some even at an altitude of 1000 mt, where pure air, genuine flavors and the beauties of nature are combined with historical vestiges satisfying every curiosity. Beautiful – yet less traversed than other regions – is the area of the Monticchio Lakes, one of the most spectacular locations in Basilicata. Lake Grande and Lake Piccolo are two splendid stretches of water that fill the two craters of Mount Vulture, now extinct, and are surrounded by thick and lush vegetation. Even though it is a mainly internal region, Basilicata touches two seas: the Ionian and Tyrrhenian. The Ionic coast, with the two famous sea resorts of Metaponto and Policoro, offers wide beaches, either sandy or pebbly, and partially surrounded by pinewoods and rows of eucalyptus that give off a lovely scent. The Gulf of Policastro, on the Tyrrhenian side, has higher and more indented coasts, where steep promontories alternate with small beaches washed by a crystal-clear sea.
MATERA
Matera is one of the two provinces of Basilicata. Overlooking the Ionian sea to the east, it borders with the Apulia Region to the north (specifically, the Provinces of Bari and Taranto), the Province of Potenza to the west, and Calabria (Province of Cosenza) to the south. Geographically, it is divided in two parts: a plains area (Metapontino) and a hilly area (Matera), where the climate is colder than on the plain, often snowing during winter. The Province includes two wildlife national parks: the San Giuliano National Park, including the artificial lake bearing the same name, important area for bird nidification; and the Pantano of Policoro Woods, a WWF Oasis. Also in this territory are the environmental-monumental zone of the Calanchi (Badlands, clay formation deeply eroded by the water, creating furrows, crevices, pointed crests and small valleys), the Natural Park of Gallipoli Cognato – Small Dolomites of Lucania, and a small portion of the National Park of Pollino. And, saving the best for last, Matera’s SassiMatera: The Sassi and Rupestrian Churches are enchanting to all: houses stacked one on top of the other and united by tortuous roads and wide staircases, they are literally built inside the rock and mountain tuff. Such a wonder led to the Sassi’s being named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
CASTEL DEL MONTE
Recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1996, Castel del Monte is a brilliant example of medieval architecture, located on a hill in the Murge area, just a few miles from the city of Andria. Commissioned by the eclectic and cultured Frederick II, Duke of Swabia, the Castle is an exceptional work for the perfection of its forms and the fusion of cultural elements from different periods and places. The lions placed at the monumental entrance are typical of Romanesque art, while the friezes that decorate some parts of the castle belie Classical inspiration. And the floor’s design and materials are in part reminiscent of Islamic art. It is interesting to know that the number 8 is the principal factor in the castle’s plan: 8 are the sides of the castle’s plan, 8 are the rooms of the ground floor and first floor arranged in order to form an octagon, and the same goes for the massive octagonal towers.It is still not clear what led Frederick II to build this brilliant piece of architecture. An air of mystery surrounds it and is thus the fount of many legends and of the charm of this unique place.
