Seashores of Basilicata. Traffic interchange Basilicata

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Basilicata represents administrative region in the south, located along the shores of the Gulf of Taranto of the Ionian Sea. IN ancient era, it was called Lucania and, together with neighboring lands, was part of the Roman Empire. Almost 50% of the territory's surface is covered with mountain ranges, so the region has a whole scattering of beautiful natural landscapes, with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Peculiarities

Basilicata consists of only 2 provinces, Matera and Potenza. Moreover, if the first of them is famous for its architectural creations, then the second is famous for its fabulous landscapes, which filmmakers from all over the world regularly use as excellent natural scenery for filming. Magnificent national parks are also located here, making an indelible impression with their beauties even on experienced travelers. Also, the region of Basilicata is known for the grandiose celebrations held annually in different cities. Among them, the Rotondella Fire Festival is very popular, jazz festivals Gezziamocci in the province of Matera and the Christmas holidays in Pisticci. The main activities in the region are agriculture, cattle breeding, fishing and winemaking. Tourism began to develop here relatively recently, so today, the tourist hype is not as high as in the popular Italian regions, and in general, this area is considered one of the most economically weak in Italy.

general information

The territory of Basilicata covers an area of ​​just under 10,000 square meters. km, and the population is about 600,000 people. The province of Potenza is more populated and has 100 communes, while Matera has only 31. Local time behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer time of the year. Official website www.basilicatanet.it.

A brief excursion into history

The local lands were inhabited long before the advent of our era, and such ancient authors as Strabo and Antiochus of Syracuse often mentioned this area in their writings. Before the arrival of the Romans, the region was part of Greater Greece, and after the accession of Rome to southern shores Italy has come a difficult time, accompanied by poverty and devastation. In the 11th century, Basilicata became part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and after a while joined the Kingdom of Naples. Over the centuries, peasant uprisings and rebellions have often occurred here, as a result of which migration has become common among local population. With the unification of Italy, the economic situation in Basilicata improved somewhat, but today the area remains one of the least developed and successful in the country.

Climate

The region is dominated by subtropical mediterranean climate, changing to a more continental in areas remote from the coast. Summer here is sunny and warm, and winters are not distinguished by an abundance of cold days. average temperature air from June to August is over +25 degrees and most fans beach holiday prefer to come here at this time of the year.

How to get there

The provinces of the region are located in different areas, so it is recommended to use different airports for faster travel. In order to get to Matera, it is most convenient to land at international airport, from where the city is less than 2 hours away by train or bus. In the same, it is most convenient to follow through Naples, from where to the provincial capital, also get about 2 hours by bus or train. Quite often, tourists arriving in Italy rent a car or use a taxi.

Major cities

In the role of the capital of Basilicata is the eponymous administrative city province of the same name. It is the most important industrial and agricultural city in the region, which also has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Local attractions such as Archaeological Museum, in the Palazzo Loffredo, the Church of Santa Maria del Sepolcro, the statue of the Madonna in the temple of San Francesco and the surviving fragments of an ancient Roman villa in the Poggio Tre Galli quarter, serve as a real decoration of the city and evoke big interest at his guests. The second most important settlement in the region is the homonymous administrative center another province, the city of Matera. It has a long history and is known for its historic district, whose houses are carved into the rock, which gives Matera the appearance ancient city era of the birth of Christianity. No wonder films on biblical themes were filmed here at one time, and such films as The Gospel According to Matthew and The Passion of the Christ received international recognition throughout the world. Another city that stands out against the general background is Maratea, located on the coast Tyrrhenian Sea and famous for its beautiful natural landscapes. In addition, he has a whole scattering of unique religious buildings, thanks to which it is called the "city of 44 churches." Also, he is famous for his coastline conducive to a wonderful beach holiday with all amenities.

Main resorts

In addition to Maratea, an excellent opportunity to spend time in the region, basking under the rays of the gentle Italian sun, is a visit to the resort of Metaponto, already on the Ionian coast, with ideal sandy beaches and crystal clean water, so revered by the local sea ​​turtles. The resorts are well equipped and have everything you need for a fruitful holiday. You can admire the sea shores from the very high point largest national park Italy - Pollino, where on the top of the mountain of the same name, is Observation deck, from where Basilicata is visible at a glance. In the very heart mountain range the region is hosted national park Val d "Agri Lagonegrese, which not only attracts with wonderful natural scenery, but also has several archaeological sites. The Gallipoli Cognato park is not much inferior to it, the main advantage of which is the massive impregnable mountains covered with lush vegetation.

Attractions and entertainment

In addition to Potenza and Matera, included in the List world heritage UNESCO, in Basilicata, such cities as Melfi, with its surrounding medieval fortress wall, and Ripacandida, where they produce delicious wines and olive oil, are noteworthy. Perfect embodiment natural wealth edge protrudes place Laghi di Monticchio, uniting two lakes volcanic origin, flaunting surrounded by picturesque plants. There are also many other interesting places. Fans of active leisure activities can swim in boats or catamarans on the local rivers and lakes, ride lifts between mountain peaks, as well as to make riding, cycling or hiking By mountain paths. At the resorts of the region, all conditions have been created for vacationers to take sunbaths, engage in water sports sports and exciting evenings in local entertainment venues.

Kitchen

Among the specialties and culinary products that you can try in restaurants and cafes various cities basilicata, Special attention it is worth giving a spicy pork sausage called "lukanika". Mozzarella, scammorza and caciocavallo cheeses are distinguished by their exquisite taste. The dishes of local masters made from meat, vegetables and seafood are extremely attractive and appetizing. You should definitely try the Aglianico del Vulture red wine and other local drinks.

shopping

In addition to the cities and Matera, the most successful places for shopping are Muro Lucano, where Christmas markets are held on the 12th of December, as well as Policoro, with its handicrafts and antiques, which can also be purchased at sales and fairs throughout the year. In any locality there are a variety of shops and souvenir shops, with an abundance of all kinds of goods.

Basilicata seems extremely interesting direction for travel, especially because the region is not yet so prone to mass tourism. There are many interesting places and historical architectural structures, and the beauty of natural landscapes, combined with the ancient culture and traditions of the locals, make the trip here even more exciting and eventful.

Basilicata is located in the very South of Italy. It consists of two parts - Potenza and Matera. Basilicata neighbors in the north with Apulia, in the south with, in the west with Campania. In the east, its shores are washed by the Gulf of Taranto of the Ionian Sea. About 50% of its territory is occupied by mountain ranges, in the north there is the Spento volcano. Approaching the sea, the landscape acquires a flat character.

Location of Basilicata on the map of Italy

Basilicata has been inhabited by people since ancient times, so it has a rich history. This name, translated from Greek, personifies the title of the Byzantine emperor "basileos" and is a legacy of the rule of Byzantium. Basilicata was once called Lucania and locals to this day she is called that. The second name comes from the naming of the Lucan people, which is translated from Greek - the wolf "Lukos" or the Latin version of "Lukus" forest. These are traces of Greek influence - in ancient times it was a colony of Greece.

In the Middle Ages, Basilicata was subjected to frequent attacks from Germany - the Goths and the Lombards.

Further, Basilicata becomes subject first to Sicily, then to the Neapolitans. The frequent change of ruling elites and the forced popular resistance made it an incredibly poor province. In the middle of the 19th century, the Italian commander and politician Giuseppe Garibaldi and his associates organized the Young Italy movement and united the scattered weak states. So in 1861 Basilicata joined the United Italy.

Cities of Basilicata

potenza

Potenza is the capital of Basilicata. In 1980, there was a strong earthquake in Potenza, which destroyed a significant part of its architectural monuments. After that natural disaster the city rose from the ruins and rebuilt again. The sights of Basilicata were badly damaged, some survived and, thanks to the restoration, delight and surprise people.

Potenza is the capital of Basilicata

Ancient buildings have been preserved in the area of ​​​​the central city street of Pretoria, which once led from the Castle to Portasalza.
Managed to survive Cathedral San Gherardo (12th century), completed in the 18th century. Also withstood the earthquake was the Church of Santa Maria del Sepolcro, famous for its amazing triumphal arch. It has been restored and now looks great. The church was built in the 13th century on the site of a crusader chapel.

You can admire the church of San Francesco, sustained in an uncharacteristic Southern Italy Catalan architectural style.

You should definitely visit the Archaeological Museum of Potenza, which carefully preserves ancient chronicles and exhibits archaeological sites, indicating rich history cities.

Matera

The city is interesting for the preserved quarters of houses carved into the rocks. The area of ​​the city where they are located is called the Sassi "stones". The construction of cave houses began as early as the 8th century BC. and all subsequent centuries, new buildings were added to this massif.

Some scenes from the film "The Passion of the Christ" were filmed in this city, for example, the scene of the crucifixion of Christ.

There are many in the city of Matera underground basilicas, protected by UNESCO: the Basilica of St. Peter Barisano, Our Lady of Virtue next to it is the church with the relics of St. Nicholas), the crypt of original sin with unusual interior paintings, the Basilica of St. Dominic.

You can admire the city of Matera by watching the video:

Marathea

The pearl of Basilicata is the city of Maratea. Perched on the rocks, it offers a magical panorama of the Gulf of Policastro. In Maratea, you can admire the ancient monastery and colorful churches.

Climate Basilicata

This part of Italy has a Mediterranean climate. On the continent it is more contrasting, to the sea it is much softer.

In Basilicata, paradise conditions for a beach holiday - bathing season runs from May to November.

The average summer temperature on the coast is 28-32°C.

Resorts and beaches of Basilicata

The Basilicata region impresses with its pristine nature due to the rather inaccessible location for tourists. Only a true and obsessed traveler will find Basilicata on the map of Italy. Rest in the resorts of Basilicata is much more affordable than in many others sea ​​coasts countries.

The beaches of Basilicata are beautiful and not crowded.

The cities of Policaro and Metaponto- most famous resorts this region with comfortable cheap hotels, superbly equipped beaches and many restaurants and cafes. Basilicata from coast to coast is dotted with uncrowded paradise beaches with pure white sand and clear water.

Most famous beaches- Aquafredda, Cala Giannita, Fiumicello, Santavenere, Porto, Marina and Castrocucco.

lovers thermal springs resort sanatoriums offer their services - the baths of La Calda, the baths of Ala, Rapolla.
Available in Basilicata and ski resort La Sellata is for those who love sports and outdoor activities.
Italy's national treasure is famous park Polino, spread out in the mountains, which give it majesty. The park is rich in chic vegetation and a variety of fauna.

You can get acquainted with Polino Park by watching the video:

You can travel around the city by renting a car or using regular buses. Public transport runs smoothly and regularly, stops are located near beaches and attractions. Getting to them is not difficult.

Cuisine of Basilicata

The cuisine of Basilicata is distinguished by an abundance of the freshest seafood and sea fish - cod, flounder, spades, sardines, etc. Local residents, like true southerners, are very fond of hot red pepper peperoni cruschi and incredibly hot - diavolicci. They also like porcini mushrooms and cardoncelli mushrooms, similar to oyster mushrooms. Mushrooms are collected in the forests mountain slopes Basilicata. From meat they prefer lamb, mutton, pork, which is divinely prepared.

Smoked lamb and pork sausages “lukanika” with orange sauce are very tasty here.

Of the cheeses in Basilicata, they prefer goat (casiello), sheep (moliterno), cow (caciocavallo podolico). Like all Italians, Lucanians love pasta, especially with chickpeas.

Matheran yellow bread weighing up to 5 kg is famous throughout Italy, which can remain soft for a long time.

The famous matheran yellow bread

Good here is honey "from a thousand flowers" and honey from thyme, eucalyptus and sunflower.
In this area incredible amount vineyards, which occupy 18 thousand hectares. The wines of Basilicata are a special topic. The local climate gives the local wine a special bouquet of flavors.

Its calling card is the red wine Aglianico from Vulture with the highest quality category DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) assigned to it.

The grapes for its production grow near the inactive Vulture volcano and this soil gives the grapes a special flavor. Of the alcoholic drinks in Basilicata, the bitter liquor Amaro Lucano is also famous, used by the locals after lunch and dinner as an aperitif.

Bitter liqueur Amaro Lucano

How to get to Basilicata

Basilicata does not have its own airport - to travel within the region, they use a train, bus, car.

It is rational for tourists to rent a car, it is quite inexpensive.

From other provinces and cities to Potenza reach:

• by train from , ;
• by bus from Naples, Rome.

To Matera:

• by train from Naples;
• by bus, car (motorway A3) from Naples, Bari on the SS-96 motorway.

To Metaponto:

• by train from Taranto and Calabria.

To Maratea:

• by train from Salerno.

Every time, remembering Basilicata, the heart involuntarily shrinks.

I have not met a person whom Italy would leave indifferent.

A part of the soul inevitably remains in this country, where the sun shines so brightly and joyfully and people sing songs of mesmerizing beauty.

Basilicata - scenic area in southern Italy, near the Ionian Gulf of Taranto. severe natural conditions(47% of the territory is occupied by harsh mountain ranges) and historical circumstances led to the economic troubles of the region, in particular, the active development of tourism here began only in last years. Therefore, Basilicata (or, as it is also called, Lucania) is not spoiled by the attention of travelers, and this is its special attraction. And the amazing beauty of natural landscapes in its diversity will leave few people indifferent.

The region is divided into two provinces: Potenza and Matera. The capital is Potenza (tourist office: Via del Gallitello 89).

How to get to Basilicata

It is more convenient to get to the coast of the Ionian Sea, as well as Matera and Metaponto, from the airport of Bari-Palese. From Bari to Matera can be reached by train (7-27 EUR, travel time - 1.5 hours, trains depart every hour), by bus (4-7 EUR; travel time 1 hour 50 minutes) or by car (distance between cities - 54 km).

A bus leaves for Metaponto from Matera every two hours (6 EUR, 1 hour on the way).

If you are heading to Potenza or Maratea, we advise you to fly through Naples. Trenitalia trains will take you to Maratea in 2 hours 29 minutes and 19-28 EUR, depending on the type of train and carriage class.

By car from Naples to Potenza, you will need to cover approximately 159 km.

Prices on the page are for September 2018.

Search for flights to Bari (nearest airport to Basilicata)

Weather in Basilicata

Typically Mediterranean on the coast, the climate changes to continental in the interior of the region.

Transport

Region covered network bus routes, mainly by SITA. Bus timetables can be found at tourist centers, tickets are sold at tobacconists. Railway routes operated by Trenitalia and Ferrovie Appulo-Lucane. Taxis are not cheap, it is better to use them for trips by short distances. Car rental provided by Autos Abroad, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore is also available.

Basilicata

shopping

In Muro Lucano, on December 12, a Christmas market is held in Piazza Don Minzoni from 10:00 to 13:00. In the town of Policoro, annually in August, a crafts fair is held where you can buy handicrafts made of wood, bamboo, and porcelain. You can also find antique items here.

In Matera, do not buy souvenirs directly in front of the Sassi - the prices are greatly inflated due to the incessant tourist flow.

Cuisine of Basilicata

Basilicata is famous for the production of sausages, the most famous of which is lucanica, a spicy pork sausage. All kinds of cheeses are also perfectly cooked here: mozzarella, scammorza, caciocavallo podolico, canestrato from Moliterno, pecarino from Filiano. Numerous types of dried cod and pickled sprat are prepared on the coast.

Be sure to try the local red wine Aglianico del Vulture, which is produced locally extinct volcano since the 8th century.

Popular hotels in Basilicata

Beaches and resorts of Basilicata

The resort of Metaponto on the Ionian coast is an ideal place for a holiday for the whole family. Uncrowded golden beaches and water so clear that these places are inhabited by sea turtles. From Metaponto to Pisticci, beaches are equipped on the coast, tourist villages, hotels, Bed&Breakfast apartments.

Matera is a province of stunning landscapes reminiscent of the lunar surface. The main attraction is the Sassi area in the Delda Murgia Materana Park. Slums dug into the rock, connected by a complex "web" of stairs and streets - all this seems to be embedded in stone. There are more than 120 rock churches here. The area is included in the UNESCO protection list.

The landscape becomes even more impressive in the evening when the lights are lit in the city.

The feeling of a complete separation from reality and immersion in bygone times also attracts filmmakers here. The famous film by Mel Gibson "The Passion of the Christ" was filmed in the "scenery" of Matera. Here you can stay in a hotel equipped right in the caves and on own experience feel what the common Italian expression "sleep like a stone" means.

3 things to do in Basilicata

1. In August, look into the town of Policoro at the craft fair to buy all sorts of unnecessary, but so romantic and memorable stuff.
2. Visit Matera to feel the spirit of antiquity, see with your own eyes the "live" scenery for the film "The Passion of the Christ" and, having enjoyed the breathtaking and frightening lunar landscapes, leave a particle of your soul here forever.
3. Eat plenty, and bring all your friends the famous lukanika - a spicy pork sausage. Needless to say, local dry red goes well with it?

National parks

On the mountain range that divides the territory of the region in half, and known as the Lucanian Dolomites, there are three National Natural Parks:

• Pollino is the largest national park in Italy. From its highest point, Mount Pollino (2248 m) offers stunning views of both coasts (Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas).
• Gallipoli Cognato Park is characterized by a striking contrast between the gloomy and impregnable mountain peaks and the lush vegetation of lush forests.
• The Val d'Agri Lagonegrese National Park of the Lucanian Apennines is the heart of the Basilicata mountain range. On its territory there are many different historical and archaeological sites.

Events

On the second Sunday of January in Tricarico, Matera, the Carnival takes place, re-enacting the ancient legends of the area. At the same time, the festival of St. Anthony in Rotondella, also known as the Fire Festival.

Every year, the Gezziamocci jazz festivals are held in Matera, which are organized by the Onyx Jazz Club. In the Grancia Park every year at the end of summer a fascinating spectacle unfolds under open sky La storia bandita. From 24 to 29 December Pisticci becomes a Christmas mystery.

Like the seven veils of Salome, she takes off one by one Basilicata(in past Lucania), exposing their secrets to those who are persistently interested in her way of life and history. The land, on which the foot of a Russian-speaking guide rarely steps, remains for most of our compatriots "terra incognita", an unexplored spot on the map of Italy. And one of them is a cave city, a visit to which can be qualified only as a journey into the past - Matera.

Nowadays, it is hard to imagine how people, having cut through the thickness of the rock, lived in its recess, where sometimes about 10 people were accommodated in forty square meters, and domestic animals also found shelter. Ducks with chickens, dogs with cats, rabbits with sheep ran freely around the dwelling, and in the corner, opposite the bed, a mule trampled. Everyone felt like full members of the family. Cattle were kept, as a rule, in special stalls, but the mule for the “bows” was almost sacred, they transported goods on it, cultivated the land, and even went to visit their grandmother in a neighboring village.

At first In the 8th century, Byzantine monks moved to the Matera region, to the Sassi region (from the word “sassi” - stone), who one after another began to build churches in cave cavities, they say, well, the good is disappearing, now there are about 20 of them. One of them, the "Crypt of Original Sin", is located 13 kilometers from Matera. Shepherds talk about her, as if a hundred Saints guard her. It was she who became the place where nature and the spiritual search of believers united under one sacred essence of the space of the grotto. The Lombards painted this crypt with their frescoes, after which it began to be called " Sistine Chapel Basilicata».

The streets, steps, ladders are completely carved from the rock, and the residents also worked hard to create a system of canals and water collectors, since the river flows deep in a 400-meter gorge, the bottom of which is not visible from all areas the city of Matera. The water storage system involved the collection of melt and rain water in tanks that are located at a fifteen-meter depth of rocks. The rock is arranged in such a way that the deeper, the less porosity of the stone, and the closed type of storage prevailed over open reservoirs, since there was no evaporation. And this was another reason why in 1993 UNESCO took Sassi di Matera(Sassi di Matera), namely Sasso Caveoso, Sasso Barisano and Civita under his care.

In 2004, the famous American actor and director shot his scandalously sensational film The Passion for the Christ, after which Matera the entire cinematic representation and admirers of their talents spoke up. However, it was here that Pier Paolo Pasolini's film The Gospel According to Matthew was filmed in 1964, which went quietly, with little to no emotional balance.

There is no magic and mysticism in the fact that the inhabitants Matera squeeze olive oil in the caves. A constant temperature of 15 degrees is maintained there, that is, the tuff serves as a conditioner, and the pomace of the oil takes place during the harvesting of olives, in November, when, as a rule, the temperature at such an altitude is low. And what happens to oil at such a temperature is known to everyone who has managed to put it in the refrigerator at least once. We conclude: the cave temperature is higher than the temperature of precipitation in the oil.

The ancient quarters of Matera are not subject to restructuring, reconstruction or improvement, everything has remained unchanged since Christ stayed in Eboli before reaching the cave city. However, the locals Matera with pleasure they will show the street along which the movie-Melgibsonian Christ followed with a cross to Golgotha.

Matera- a city of deception, a ghost town, a city of history. Everything that you imagine to see here, everything that your fantasy and imagination have drawn, in fact, may turn out to be half-truth or half-reality. Therefore, go ahead, towards adventures, emotions, Basilicata and Matera itself!

Svetlana Conobella, from Italy with love.

About konobella

Basilicata is an administrative region in Italy, located in Southern Italy, right on the Gulf of Taranto of the Ionian Sea. The area of ​​this region is 9995 square kilometers. Historically, Basilicata is connected with neighboring regions that were part of the Roman Empire. Since the Norman conquest, Basilicata has been part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the Kingdom of Naples, and the Kingdom of Italy.

From 1932 to 1947, the territory was officially called Lucania, but later the region regained its old name. The northern neighbor of Basilicata is Apulia, and in the east the region is washed by the Ionian Sea.

Story

Basilicata has been inhabited by people since ancient times - this is evidenced by the data of archaeological excavations. According to one version, the name was fixed and today it is official. Many ancient authors mention the peoples who once inhabited Basilicata. We are talking about Strabo, Antiochus of Syracuse and others. According to ancient sources, Lucans appeared much later than other tribes. In ancient times, the territory of the region, together with neighboring areas, was colonized by the Greeks. The Lucans, together with the Samnites and the Bruttians, resisted the colonizers and Roman invaders. However, in the end, Italy was conquered by a stronger people - the Latins. After in southern regions Roman domination was established in Italy, desolation and poverty befell the inhabitants of Basilicata.

During the Middle Ages, Basilicata was subjected to numerous raids by Germanic tribes, and later came under the yoke of Byzantium. Starting from the 11th century, the region became part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and after that - the Kingdom of Neopolitan. On the territory of these kingdoms, two dynasties fought for power - Angevin and Aragonese.

Climate and demography

Basilicata has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. In the coastal zone, it is typically marine, and becomes continental inland.

According to 2008 data, 2210 people live in Basilicata. , population density is 53 people per square meter.

What to see in the Basilicata region?

What to try in Basilicata?

The cuisine of Basilicata is famous not only for its excellent taste, but also for its amazing aroma of dishes.

• One of the most common dishes here is durum wheat pasta, which is prepared by local chefs by hand. It is served as usual with a sauce to which hot pepperoncino peppers are added.
• Lamb dishes are also traditional here. Especially worth trying are katsmarr, newmaredd and kutturiddi.
• Basilicata's cuisine boasts great choice vegetable dishes, the best of which are chammotta and chaudedda.

What to bring from Basilicata?

If you want to bring gastronomic souvenirs from Basilicata, pay attention to lucanica pork sausage, as well as all kinds of cheeses: mozzarella, scammorza, canestrato, pecarino. Also don't forget to grab a bottle of the local wine Alinico di Volture, Matera or Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri.