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basilicata south italy

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Basilicata is a region in the south of Italy, located in the southern part of the country. It is one of the smallest regions in Italy, covering an area of 9,995 square kilometres. The region is bordered by the regions of Campania to the west, Apulia to the east, and Calabria to the south.

Maratea is a charming town located in the Basilicata region, known for its stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is situated on a hillside, surrounded by lush green mountains, and is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian". The town is home to beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and picturesque landscapes, making it a popular tourist destination.

Matera is another notable city in the Basilicata region, famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as "Sassi". These caves were inhabited by the local population for thousands of years, making Matera one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a popular tourist attraction.

The region of Basilicata is also known for its rich history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Palaeolithic era. Throughout its history, the region has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Normans, and Byzantines.

In addition to its natural beauty and historical significance, Basilicata is also known for its delicious cuisine. The region's cuisine is a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean flavours, with dishes such as pasta, seafood, and locally grown vegetables.

Basilicata is a beautiful region located in the southern part of Italy. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. The region is divided into two provinces - Matera and Potenza. Maratea and Matera are two of the most popular cities in the region, each offering its own distinct charm.

Maratea is a picturesque coastal town, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The town is also famous for its statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands tall on the Monte San Biagio and can be seen from miles away. Maratea is a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing holiday by the sea.

Matera, on the other hand, is an ancient city that is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. It is famous for its Sassi, a complex of cave dwellings carved into the rock. These caves were once used as homes and now serve as unique hotels, restaurants, and shops. Matera has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2019, showcasing its rich history and cultural significance.

One of the highlights of visiting Basilicata is trying its traditional food. The cuisine of the region is characterized by simple and hearty dishes, influenced by both the Mediterranean and mountainous terrain. Local ingredients such as durum wheat, olive oil, and vegetables are used to create delicious dishes like orecchiette pasta, lamb skewers, and roasted peppers.

Basilicata is also known for its excellent wines, with Aglianico del Vulture being the most famous. This red wine is made from grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Vulture and has a rich and full-bodied flavour. Other notable wines from the region include Greco, Malvasia, and Moscato.

The region is deeply rooted in tradition and has a strong sense of community. The people of Basilicata are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. Traditional festivals and events are held throughout the year, celebrating the region's history, culture, and cuisine.

The Basilicata region, located in southern Italy, is known for its stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and rich cultural heritage. One of the most popular destinations in Basilicata is Maratea, a charming coastal town with a picturesque harbour and beautiful beaches. Another must-visit spot is Matera, an ancient city known for its unique cave dwellings and stunning architecture.

But beyond its natural and architectural beauty, Basilicata is also renowned for its delicious food. The region's cuisine is a reflection of its diverse history, with influences from Greek, Roman, and Arab cultures. One of the most famous dishes in Basilicata is peperoni cruschi, a type of dried red pepper that is used in many traditional recipes. Other popular dishes include lagane e ceci, a pasta dish made with chickpeas, and orecchiette con le cime di rapa, a pasta dish with turnip greens.

No meal in Basilicata is complete without a glass of local wine. The region is known for its robust red wines, such as Aglianico del Vulture, made from grapes grown on the slopes of the Vulture volcano. White wines, such as Greco di Bianco, are also popular in Basilicata.

The region is steeped in tradition, and many festivals and celebrations are held throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Festa della Bruna in Matera, where a procession of locals dressed in traditional costumes carry a statue of the Madonna della Bruna through the city's streets. Another popular festival is the Festival of the Madonnelle in Maratea, which celebrates the town's patron saint with parades, music, and fireworks.

In conclusion, Basilicata is a hidden gem in southern Italy, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you're exploring the charming towns of Maratea and Matera or indulging in the region's delicious food and wine, a trip to Basilicata is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

worlds hot zone in the  mediterranean sea

 

The South of Italy

9 REGIONS from LAZIO to SICILY

 

ABRUZZO

    Abruzzo is a region in central Italy that has two contrasting sides, yet one heart. On one side, it is a mountainous and hilly region, with the highest peaks in the Apennines like the Gran Sasso and the Majella massif, as well as the only Apennine glacier. On the other side, it overlooks a stunning stretch of the Adriatic Sea, with some of the most popular beaches. Abruzzo is truly a place with something for everyone, and its majestic beauty has captivated visitors for centuries.

APULIA

Apulia, a land located in the centre of the Mediterranean at the southern extremity of Europe, offers splendid views from commanding positions, over fertile valleys towards the sparkling Adriatic, delicious food and wine and a wonderful warm climate. Here, Nature imposes itself with a wonderful variety of rich colours: red earth, dark green pine, silvery green olive trees and lush vineyards; sparkling white labyrinths of towns which seem to glisten in the sun; milky white medieval centres with tangles of streets and alleyways, all against a backdrop of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. In this land you will find gems of architectural and historical interest: Romanesque, Byzantine and  Baroque churches, cathedrals, castles, towers, prehistorical remains and last but not least the Trulli Houses.

BASILICATA

Basilicata, magical and vague. Land of light and clay, woods and mountains, that can lead to the desire of its discovery without noticing. This is a small region who’s solitary mountains gently fall to the Tyrrhenian Sea on one side and to the Ionian Sea on the other. Basilicata is surrounded by other territories of Southern Italy, like Calabria that leads to Sicily, Campania with it's Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, or Apulia with it's Trulli Houses. Some of it's typical villages lay peacefully on the rocks allowing a silent and reserved stay with great views of it’s rugged coast, others lay next to the beach, surrounded by nature, offering fun and entertainment.

CALABRIA

This is a land with a wonderful coast line; dramatic cliffs overhanging secluded bays; steep cliff paths to small rocky coves; islands and caves to explore; long stretches of beach, gently curving into the distance all are lapped by the clear, azure sea. Calabria makes up the "toe" of Italy and is an area little known to British visitors. The scenery is spectacular and dramatic, rising to over 6000 ft in the mountains, and dropping steeply to the coast with its long stretches of beach, crescent-shaped bays, craggy cliffs and islands dotted about in the crystal clear, blue, Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas. You will be spoilt for choice whether in the mountains or on the coast, there is more to see and explore than can possibly be done in a couple of weeks. On the other hand, the slow southern Italian pace of life is perfect for just relaxing. Calabria is steeped in history, myth and legend. There are prehistoric settlements and early cave dwellings. The region features in the writings of Homer and Virgil and has been fought over by Hannibal, Romans, Sparticans and many others. It is also rich in living tradition and folklore. Throughout the year, there is a wealth of festivals and carnivals, involving much music and dancing, often in traditional costume.

CAMPANIA

This is the land where the deep South of Italy truly begins. Campania is the region that houses wonderful world wide known sceneries like the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Capri but is also doorway to other most beautiful locations of Southern Italy like Calabria with it's wonderful rugged coast, Sicily and it's romantic and historic towns like Agrigento and Taormina, and also just few hours away from Apulia and it's characteristic Trulli Houses or Basilicata with beautiful towns like Maratea. Campania features a volcanic sea of the deepest shade of blue lined with miles of dramatic coast and dotted with such lovely islands that almost seem to be tiny, brightly coloured jewels. Sharp contrasts don't miss in this region going from the heat, noise and urban sprawl of troubled Naples to the calming qualities of Sorrento, from the romantic islands of Capri and Ischia to the undiscovered coastline of Cilento. One typicality of Campania will never miss throughout the whole region and that's the warm welcoming as well as the calm qualities of it's people. Enjoy all of Campania's culinary gems, starting from the world known "pizza" that originates from this region of Italy, and created in Honour of the Queen Margherita, going through it's cakes and sweets and ending to it's typical liquors.

LAZIO

Lazio is a region located in central Italy, and is home to the country’s capital city of Rome. It is considered the “heart of Italy” because it is centrally located and is home to the Papal State of Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church. The region has a long history and is known for its natural beauty, with many lakes, mountains, and hills. It is also home to many important archaeological sites, including the ruins of Ancient Rome and the Etruscan city of Veii. Lazio is an important cultural center, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. It is also home to some of Italy's best universities, including La Sapienza University of Rome and The American University of Rome.

MOLISE

The Molise region shared its history with Abruzzo until the fall of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by findings in Pineta of Homo Aeserniensis, who moved between the two regions on a seasonal basis. All the main centres in Molise became Roman colonies with the conquests during the Social War and the Samnite Wars and Second Punic Wars (such as Morrone del Sannio, Isernia, Larino, Venafro and Pietrabbondante), with the formation of new Christian-led urbanisations, such as the Diocese of Trivento, until the Normans arrived.

Invasions by the Goths and Lombards followed and, after the latter's conversion to Catholicism, the church gained much power over Molise.
A key date in the history of Molise is 1221, when Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor turned Molise into a district of imperial justice. Several monasteries were founded here, including the splendid site of the Madonna delle Grotte in Rocchetta a Volturno.

 

SARDINIA

Seaside views in Sardinia are among the most marvellous in the world. Beautiful little isles scattered around its coastline. The coasts are scraggy and rocky, surrounded by shallow sea and astonishing beaches of fine sand and coves. Striking beauty of nature, christal-emerald clear waters of the Mediterranean sea, warm, welcoming people, typical cuisine, old traditions and wonderfull culture, all in one territory, with museums to visit, plenty of activities to take part to, natural environments to explore or beautifull beaches to simply relax on. Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, full of culture, history, nature, folklore and entertainment.

SICILY

This wonderful island is the home of great historic and romantic sites like Agrigento and Taormina and only few hours away from other beautiful locations of Southern Italy like Calabria and it's wonderful rugged coast, Campania and it's splendid sites like the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, or even Apulia and it's characteristic Trulli Houses. This beautiful island hoststhe Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, which looms menacingly over the eastern end of the island. If you are lucky, you could witness the glow of molten lava flowing from fissures in the rock and the most spectacular fireworks display you have ever seen. This is the island that hosts great historical architectural buildings andwhere Africa meets Europe blending Baroque with Classical. Sicily is a land where not only you can sit and enjoy the heat of the sun but also discover and explore its Greek Temples, Baroque churches and any other historical site you can find. No need for great studies to make great discoveries: Sicily will just show them to you, with all their glamour.

 

the  tyrrhenian sea

the worlds hot zone

worlds

from Rome south The South of Italy

 

MOUNT VESUVIUS VOLCANO

POMPEI ERCOLANO PAESTUM

AMALFI POSITANO COAST

MOUNT ETNA VOLCANO

STROMBOLI VOLCANO

EOLIAN ISLANDS

CAPRI ISLAND

TRULLI LAND

FRIENDLY PEOPLE

HOT ROMANTIC CHARACTER

BREATH TAKING COASTAL VIEWS

BREATH TAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS

HISTORICAL CHARACTER MONUMENTS

TRADITIONAL OLD CHARACTER TOWNS

TRADITIONAL CELLAR WINES TESTING

LOCAL TRADITIONAL FOOD

LOCAL TRADITIONAL CHEFS

LOCAL TRADITIONAL WINES

 

 

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basilicata south italy

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South Italy package by PRC Tour Executive