Basilicata

Basilicata, also known as Lucania, is a region in southern Italy nestled between Apulia to the east, Calabria to the south, and Campania to the west. It’s a land of contrasts, with a small coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and a longer one on the Ionian Sea to the southeast. The region is largely mountainous and sparsely populated, with Potenza and Matera as its two provinces. Potenza, the regional capital, is perched in the mountains and is known for its winding streets and scenic views.

Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is famed for its ancient cave dwellings, the “Sassi di Matera,” which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These cave houses carved from limestone are a testament to human adaptation over millennia and have been used as settings for many films, capturing the imagination of visitors from around the globe.

Basilicata is characterized by its rugged landscapes, with the Pollino, Dolomiti Lucane, and Sirino mountain ranges offering dramatic scenery and outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. The region is also home to the Lucanian Dolomites, known for their distinctive spiky peaks and the flight of the angel zip-line, which offers a unique way to experience its breathtaking vistas.

The region’s cuisine reflects its landlocked and coastal geography, with a strong reliance on local ingredients like durum wheat, vegetables, legumes, lamb, and pork. Dishes such as “peperoni cruschi” (crispy fried sweet peppers) and “orecchiette con la mollica” (a pasta dish with breadcrumbs) showcase Basilicata’s rustic culinary traditions. The region is also known for its quality wines, such as Aglianico del Vulture, produced in the volcanic soils around the extinct Monte Vulture volcano.

Basilicata’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and increasingly on tourism, drawn by its natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural heritage. Despite its historical poverty, Basilicata has become a symbol of resilience and a hidden gem for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience away from the more crowded tourist destinations.

Comuni in Basilicata Region: