Eastern Basilicata

<< Basilicata

The Province of Matera occupies the eastern portion of Basilicata, and is dotted with many small historic towns among the hills. The southeastern part of the province features a plain facing the Ionian Sea, and houses a few archaeological sites such as Metaponto.

Metaponto

Metaponto is a small town and seaside resort located near the Ionian Sea in the municipality of Bernalda, part of the Province of Matera. The town was originally founded by Greek settlers around the 7th century BCE, and became one of the richest and most powerful cities of Magna Graecia. During the golden age of the city, the Greek philosopher Pythagoras lived here for some time. The city was later defeated and conquered by the Romans, and its importance slowly declined. Abandoned for centuries, Metaponto emerged as a tourist destination only in the past few decades.

✪ National Archaeological Museum of Metaponto

The National Archaeological Museum of Metaponto (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Metaponto) is a museum in Metaponto, located in the modern town west of the archaeological park. The museum houses a large collection of archaeological findings unearthed in Metaponto and the surrounding territory, dating from prehistory, the Greek age, and the Roman era.

Archaeological Park of Metapontum

The Archaeological Park of Metapontum (Parco Archeologico di Metaponto) houses the ruins of numerous structures that were once part of the prosperous city. Among these are a large theater and a series of temples erected between the 6th and 5th century BCE.

Tavole Palatine

Also known as: Temple of Hera (Tempio di Hera)

The Tavole Palatine are the ruins of a Greek temple erected in the 6th century BCE and dedicated to Hera. This temple was once part of a large sanctuary located near the Bradano river at the northern edge of the ancient city of Metapontum.

Policoro

Policoro is a town located near the coast of Ionian Sea in the Province of Matera. This was once the site of a Greek colony called Heraclea, which flourished as an important center of Magna Graecia. The city was later conquered by the Romans and slowly declined. The modern town emerged in the Middle Ages, and since the 1960s it has grown to become one of the largest towns in the area, developing a popular seaside resort on the nearby coast.

National Archaeological Museum of Siritide

The National Archaeological Museum of Siritide (Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Siritide) is an archaeological museum in Policoro, located just outside the Archaeological Park of Siris-Herakleia (Parco Archeologico Siris-Herakleia). The museum houses numerous findings unearthed in this site and other archaeological areas of Basilicata, including several ancient Greek vases.

Tursi

Tursi is a town in Basilicata, located among the mountains of the Province of Matera. The town developed since the 5th century and later became an important stronghold of the Arabs and then the Byzantines. Tursi is now known for its medieval old town.

Sanctuary of Santa Maria Regina di Anglona

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria Regina di Anglona (Santuario di Santa Maria Regina di Anglona) is a historic religious site located on a hill east of Tursi. This was once the site of the Greek colony of Pandosia and then a medieval town called Anglona. This village was later abandoned, and the sanctuary is the only structure of the ancient town still standing. The church was erected in Romanesque style between the 11th and 12th century, and features numerous medieval decorations and frescoes.

Craco

Craco is a ghost town located on top of a hill in the Province of Matera. The town was founded in ancient times and remained a small center throughout its history. In 1963, Craco was partially evacuated due to a series of landslides, and the condition of the old town was worsened by a flood in 1972 and an earthquake in 1980, which made the village at risk of collapsing. The population was moved to the plains nearby, while the old town was later turned into an open-air museum.

✪ Scenic Museum Park of Craco

The Scenic Museum Park of Craco (Parco Museale Scenografico di Craco) includes the historic center of Craco, now the most famous ghost town in all of Italy. The site can be visited with guided tours that lead tourists to explore houses and historic buildings in the abandoned city. Due to its position on top of a hill, a breathtaking view of the hills and countryside of Basilicata can be enjoyed from Craco.

Montescaglioso

Montescaglioso is a town located on a hill southeast of Matera. Inhabited since ancient times, it was an important regional center in the Middle Ages, and it is known for its historic abbey.

Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo

The Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo (Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo) is a large religious complex founded in Montescaglioso in the Early Middle Ages. The site was later expanded, and most of the current structure dates from the 12th century and the Renaissance. This was once among the most important abbeys in the region, and it still features various historic artworks.

Miglionico

Miglionico is a tiny town in Basilicata, located southwest of Matera. A town of ancient origins, it became known in the Middle Ages thanks to its castle.

Malconsiglio Castle

The Malconsiglio Castle is a large medieval castle in Miglionico. Initially erected between the 8th and 9th century, it was later expanded and reworked, becoming an important fortified position. In 1485, this was the site where some nobles organized the Conspiracy of the Barons, a failed plot to overthrow Ferdinand I, King of Naples. The castle was later turned into a residence and was damaged by an earthquake in 1857. Now restored, the castle can be visited.

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is the main church of Miglionico, erected in Renaissance style between the 14th and 16th century. The church features an elaborate portal, and houses various artworks. The most notable of these is a large polyptych painted by Cima da Conegliano in 1499.

Tricarico

Tricarico is a town located among the mountains of Basilicata, in the Province of Matera. The city emerged during the Early Middle Ages as a fortified position inhabited by Lombards, Arabs, Byzantines, and Normans. Now a tourist destination, the town is known for its medieval old town.

Tricarico Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)

The Tricarico Cathedral (Duomo di Tricarico) is the main church of the town. The building was erected in Romanesque style during the 11th century, and was reworked several times, with the addition of Baroque decorations. Inside, the church also houses various historic artworks.

Irsina

Irsina is a small town in Basilicata, located among the hills west of Matera. Known as Montepeloso until 1895, Irsina has always been an agricultural center, and it is now a tourist destination thanks to its beautiful old town.

Irsina Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)

The Irsina Cathedral (Duomo di Irsina) is the main church of the town, originally built in Romanesque style during the 10th century. The church was later reworked in Baroque style, but still features many of its Romanesque features. Inside, it houses various artworks, including a 15th-century marble statue attributed to either Andrea Mantegna or Pietro Lombardo.