'Lucania seems to me more than any other, a real place, one of the truest places in the world'
(Carlo Levi)
Basilicata, a unique territory that is awakening the interest of an authentic tourism made up of slow rhythms and a desire to return to its origins, is a region that still holds the privilege of mystery. Far from mass tourism, sometimes not easy to reach, it retains all the charm of a land of history and traditions, which can only speak to those who really want to know it. Rich in beauty, culture, art and good food, Basilicata offers its visitors a range of alternatives to suit different ideas of stay. From the rough purity of Matera, an enchanting city in summer and magical in winter, to the perched villages such as Acerenza, among the most beautiful in Italy, to the white beaches of Maratea and the unspoilt landscapes where trekking and excursions can be enjoyed, everyone can find their own dimension to live in this region that has so much to give.
Overlooking the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, nestled between Puglia, Campania and Calabria, Basilicata is patiently awaiting those passionate travellers who choose to visit it. This region, nestled in the heart of Italy's deep south, still preserves intact places, districts and geographical conformations that have spanned centuries of history and are just waiting to be discovered. The territory of Basilicata has a predominantly mountainous and hilly conformation. However, there is no lack of valleys, forests, white or rocky beaches that follow one another and alternate, creating rich contrasts that are difficult to find elsewhere. This ancient land, whose origins are rooted in agricultural and pastoral traditions that are still alive today, is home to places that bear witness to ancient memories: the Metaponto plateau, whose name and archaeological finds take us back to the times of Magna Graecia; the Murgia park, where the link between man and nature has been intertwined since prehistoric times, as demonstrated by the caves, the remains of villages and enchanting rock churches; and the villages and towns of medieval origin (Melfi, Miglionico, Lagopesole, etc.) that, with their castles, fortresses and churches, have been inhabited since the Middle Ages..) that, with their castles, accompany us to the court of the Normans, Frederick II or the Aragonese.
Those who visit Basilicata will soon discover that behind every corner of it lies a richly evocative experience that will leave unforgettable memories. The variety of its territory, in fact, leaves room for activities that will appeal to all types of travellers, from the adventurous to the more romantic, dreamers or lovers of art and history. The lakes of Monticchio to be crossed by pedalo, the Pollino National Park and its paths perfect for trekking, Aliano with its surreal calanchi (gullies) are just some of the ideal places in which to forget the frenetic rhythms of everyday life and find oneself in contact with nature. Culture and suggestion, then, make their way through the villages where time seems to stand still. Here it is possible to find atmospheres and suggestive glimpses of ancient memory: Craco, the ghost town, the unfinished church of Venosa or, again, the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa to be explored on foot or, for the most courageous, suspended between heaven and earth by experiencing the flight of an angel. Moreover, for sports lovers among the wind and waves, there will be no lack of activities such as kitesurfing or water skiing in the magnificent Metaponto area.
To encapsulate the flavours of Basilicata in a few lines would be impossible, but we couldn't help but outline its unmistakably tasty local gastronomic traditions. The typical cuisine of this region is profoundly linked to the fruits of its land and is based on simple dishes, with ingredients that are sometimes 'poor' and for this very reason true and authentic. Peppers cruschi, or crunchy peppers because they are dried and fried in olive oil, accompany meat dishes such as Cutturiddi (lamb cooked with onions) or fish dishes such as baccalà (salt cod), which in its typical and disparate variants enriches Lucanian tables in all seasons. Broad beans and chicories combine in a dish with the true peasant flavours of yesteryear and are accompanied by full-bodied red wines and bread, the Matera bread: tall, with a fragrant crust and a soft, fluffy crumb. And dessert? It will be difficult to choose between the ricotta cake, the sweet taralli, the 'chinulidd' (i.e. panzarotti filled with chestnut cream), the almond biscuits, the vino cotto biscuits... And the list could go on and on, so much so that tasting them all could be a real challenge.
Like any ancient land, Basilicata is rich in events strongly linked to its origins and local traditions. However, there is no lack of more modern and mundane initiatives. One of the most evocative events is the rite of May, held in the days approaching Pentecost at Accettatura, a small village in the province of Matera: the rite celebrates the union (marriage) between a holly and a turkey oak tree, cut down and then joined together, during a ceremony that has the flavour of a popular festival and symbolises the bond between man and nature. Another fascinating event is the parade of the Turks that takes place in Potenza on 29 May in honour of Saint Gerard: the Saint, according to legend, assisted the Lucanian people during a Turkish invasion in 1111 A.D., causing them to flee: men in Turkish costumes parade through the streets of the city on foot and in carts. Of course, village festivals are not to be missed. To name but a few, we mention the Podolica cheese festival in Pescopagno (in the province of Potenza) held in July in honour of the local Podolica caciocavallo cheese. In August, instead, near Senise (Potenza) we find the now famous Strittul' ru zafaràn - Il vicolo del peperone (The alley of the pepper), a festival celebrating the Igp pepper, the protagonist of Lucanian flavours. Alongside these traditional events, festivals and cultural events are becoming more and more interesting and numerous: the Pollino Music Festival (in August) or Percorsi enogastronomici and Cantine Aperte (Open Wine Cellars), which especially in the autumn take place in various Lucanian villages and towns. There are many other initiatives in Basilicata, at almost every time of the year. Thanks to the desire to enhance and bring to life a territory that is unique in the world, the traveller, together with the local population, can discover all its essence and values, so that they can be preserved and handed down through the centuries.
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