If you thought the authentic Italy disappeared - then set off to the overlooked mountain region Basilicata, where nature experiences are queuing up to be discovered. Basilicata is "the arch" in the boot country, super exciting, exuberant and its own. Perhaps one of the poorest regions in Italy, but at the same time as full of real culture - nature - history and a fantastic cuisine, rustic and varied - as the rest of the country. But not streamlined. Old-fashioned, but not retro. Retro requires a trip beyond what is in demand, and Basilicata has not been there. This is also why this hike is different. It is short, it is intense, it is - like the region of Basilicata - charming with the small cozy villages located relatively high and thus pleasant even on a summer day.
We set out in the town of Matera; European Capital of Culture in 2019. Chosen among many candidates for its UNESCO-protected neighborhood "Sassi" with cave dwellings that were inhabited until the 50s in the last century – at that time not very romantic. The neighborhood is very hilly and the unique thing is that the facades of the houses are of tuff and the rest carved directly into the rocks. Today, the homes are reopening for artists, restaurants and cafes while maintaining the place's authenticity.
The adventure continues inside the Gallipoli Cognato Park, with its magnificent grassy plateaus from which you can admire the wild walls of the Lucanian Dolomites and live the hamlets of Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano. The unspoiled nature, the intense light and the views will leave you an enchanting memory of this Basilicata to explore on foot.
Highlights:
♦ Matera di Sassi – UNESCO site since 1993 – magic city in stone and about 130 cave churches.
♦ Pietrapertosa – cozy town (1000m) and the zipline ” Il Vollo Dell’Angelo” – angels flight.
♦ Lucane Dolomites – spectacular mountains, like the Dolomites in the north, but lower.
Gallery
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