Basilicata — Travel Guide & Things to Do
Name
Basilicata
Description
Basilicata is a region of forests and mountains in southern Italy. It borders the Calabria and Puglia regions, as well as the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. The city of Matera is known for its Sassi district, a vast, hillside complex of cave...
Nearby attractions
Sassi di MateraParco Nazionale del PollinoPalombaro lungoStatue of Christ the RedeemerBelvedere di Piazza Giovanni PascoliCattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant'EustachioParco Regionale della Murgia MateranaMelfi CastleAcquazzurra Acquapark Metaponto (MT)Bridge to the MoonNearby restaurants
Autogrill Sala Consilina OvestAutogrill Sala Consilina EstRistorante Le Terrazze del Santa LuciaStanoTrattoria LucanaBari-NapoliAgriturismo Masseria ChinunnoTrattoria del CaveosoAntico Forno Santa Caterina dal 1306Il Quadrifoglio BariNearby hotels
MH Matera HotelVillaggio Torre del FaroEco Resort dei SiritiArgonauts Club Resort & SpaLocanda San Martino ThermaeMarinagri Greenblu HotelGrand Hotel PianetamarateaAkirisDanaide ResortBHOTELNearby localities
NaplesPompeiBariLecceCasertaMateraMarcianiseCapaccio PaestumGallipoliPolignano a MareRelated posts
Keywords
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ItalyBasilicata
Basic Info
Basilicata
Basilicata, Italy
Ratings & Description
Info
Basilicata is a region of forests and mountains in southern Italy. It borders the Calabria and Puglia regions, as well as the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. The city of Matera is known for its Sassi district, a vast, hillside complex of cave...
Basilicata is a region of forests and mountains in southern Italy. It borders the Calabria and Puglia regions, as well as the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. The city of Matera is known for its Sassi district, a vast, hillside complex of cave...
attractions: Sassi di Matera, Parco Nazionale del Pollino, Palombaro lungo, Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant'Eustachio, Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana, Melfi Castle, Acquazzurra Acquapark Metaponto (MT), Bridge to the Moon, restaurants: Autogrill Sala Consilina Ovest, Autogrill Sala Consilina Est, Ristorante Le Terrazze del Santa Lucia, Stano, Trattoria Lucana, Bari-Napoli, Agriturismo Masseria Chinunno, Trattoria del Caveoso, Antico Forno Santa Caterina dal 1306, Il Quadrifoglio Bari
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Reviews
Things to Do in Basilicata, Italy - Basilicata Attractions & Activities
Attractions of Basilicata
Sassi di Matera
Parco Nazionale del Pollino
Palombaro lungo
Statue of Christ the Redeemer
Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant'Eustachio
Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana
Melfi Castle
Acquazzurra Acquapark Metaponto (MT)
Bridge to the Moon
Sassi di Matera
4.8
(14.8K)
Open until 12:00 AM
Click for details
Parco Nazionale del Pollino
4.6
(5.2K)
Open 24 hours
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Palombaro lungo
4.5
(4.9K)
Open 24 hours
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Statue of Christ the Redeemer
4.7
(3.7K)
Open 24 hours
Click for details
Explore popular cities
Restaurants of Basilicata
Autogrill Sala Consilina Ovest
Autogrill Sala Consilina Est
Ristorante Le Terrazze del Santa Lucia
Stano
Trattoria Lucana
Bari-Napoli
Agriturismo Masseria Chinunno
Trattoria del Caveoso
Antico Forno Santa Caterina dal 1306
Il Quadrifoglio Bari
Autogrill Sala Consilina Ovest
3.3
(3.1K)
Click for details
Autogrill Sala Consilina Est
3.4
(2.9K)
Click for details
Ristorante Le Terrazze del Santa Lucia
4.3
(2.2K)
$$
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Stano
4.4
(1.7K)
$$$
Click for details
Sassi di Matera
Sassi di Matera
4.8Historical Place
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Parco Nazionale del Pollino
Parco Nazionale del Pollino
4.6National Park
Giovanni TonucciGiovanni Tonucci
Wow 🌌 my first ever hitchhike itinerary in western Europe after almost 3 years in the Middle East. 5 days hitchhiking and walking plus one resting at hippie-minded Rivertribe village in Laino. So much hospitality, although I'm a guy alone each five cars, one was stopping, even police helped me out.
Interesting conversations at Bellavista bar in S. Domenica Talao, Antica Dimora in Viggianello, Café 007 in Terranova.
Hosted by outgiving guys in Scalea before the start, Terranova after the tough hike up and down Pollino Mary's shrine hike. Thank you Antonio and Cosimo!
Lake Cotugno shouldn't be missed, you can sleep on Senise side nearby the provincial highway by walking from Agip gas station. Mezzane has some stunning landscapes, unf i missed Papasidero, San Costantino Albanese and Noepoli.
Buses work from Scalea to Laino to Castrovillari (Ferrovie della Calabria company). From Terranova / S Severino downhill to Senise, i took it to cross that empty, old road on Sat at 4:45pm (week last one!) for 2,30€ covering 30km. Bus was totally empty as well.
Nicola GiampietroNicola Giampietro
Ho visitato il Parco tre volte. La prima due anni fa la seconda il 20 dicembre e l'ultima il 25 dicembre scorsi (2019). Due anni fa sono stato sul Pollino, il 20 all'ALSIA e il 25 a Castelluccio Superiore. Il Pollino è un bene unico e bellissimo. Peccato che qua si vedono gli abusi e le inciviltà di chi si avventura in modo scriteriato. Forse bisognerebbe aumentare i controlli visto che di fatto le persone nn hanno nessun senso civico, tanto meno naturalistico. E certamente le persone nn cambiano facilmente stile di approccio alla natura meglio le multe! Inoltre la severità sarà importante visto che le "orde" di visitatori vanno piano piano aumentando! La terza visita é stata a Castelluccio Superiore, un Borgo bellissimo. Peccato che tale bellezza si apprezzi solo per immaginazione e capacità di pensiero perché di fatto il bel Borgo si trova sotto strati di cemento e ristrutturazioni omologate e poco attinenti con lo spirito della Natura in cui il paese è immerso. La seconda visita è stata all' ALSIA Basilicata. È un ente locale pubblico che si occupa di agricoltura. Mi sono rivolto a loro per avere consulenza e consiglio circa le possibili coltivazioni di erbe officinali sulle mie terre. Sono entrato in contatto con il dott. Cerbino che si è dimostrato disponibile (il 20 dicembre, con un piede praticamente in ferie, mi ha atteso ben oltre l'orario dell'appuntamento!) competente e pronto ad accogliere le domande e le richieste di supporto professionale. ALSIA, inoltre svolge attività di sperimentazione, recupero e custodia delle coltivazioni di specie autoctone del territorio. Se siete agricoltori o volete diventarlo fidatevi SOLO di loro!
Davide SabiaDavide Sabia
Il Parco Nazionale del Pollino si estende su 192.565,00 ettari di terreno ed è posto a cavallo tra due regioni, la Basilicata, detta anche Lucania, e la Calabria. Inoltre spazia dal mar Tirreno allo Jonio, da Cozzo del Pellegrino a Serra Dolcedorme, dai Piani di Campolongo, di Novacco, e di Lanzo, ai Piani del Pollino, dai fiumi Argentino e Abatemarco, alle gole del Lao e del Raganello, ai torrenti Peschiera e Frido. L’intera zona del Pollino è formata dai Massicci del Pollino e dell’Orsomarso. La catena montuosa che fa parte dell’Appennino meridionale a confine con la Basilicata e la Calabria vanta le vette più alte del Sud Italia le quali rimangono innevate per un lungo periodo che inizia a partire dal mese di novembre e finisce nel mese di maggio con lo sciogliersi della prima neve. L’altezza delle sue vette arriva a quota 2.200 mt slm. L’area naturale che gode di un ampio prestigio è composta di rocce dolomitiche, di bastioni calcarei, di pareti di faglia di origine architettonica, di dirupi, di gole molto profonde, di grotte carsiche, di timpe di origine vulcanica, di inghiottitoi, di pianori, di prati, di pascoli posti ad alta quota, di accumuli morenici, di circhi glaciali e di massi erratici.
Francesco CeglieFrancesco Ceglie
Non metto cinque stelle perché un posto così bello, pittoresco e incantato non può essere affidato a degli enti amministrativi e albergatori così inesperti e impreparati. Segnaletica sentieristica praticamente assente; se poi chiedi informazioni a proprietari di ristoranti e alberghi ottieni sommarie istruzioni su come "perderti" nella natura selvaggia. Non si vede mai in giro una pattuglia della forestale e dell'ente parco; quindi non ci sono controlli. Strade per raggiungere luoghi degni di nota, completamente disastrate. I rifugi funzionano a mesi alterni. Ristoratori e albergatori non hanno esperienze in fatto di accoglienza e servizio: per carità!... sono gentilissimi ma non sanno proporre cose utili o servizi ai propri clienti. Pochi i servizi del parco a disposizione dei bambini. Insomma, non sembra di stare in un parco nazionale, ma dal punto di vista naturalistico e paesaggistico il Pollino è una meraviglia. Forse è meglio che rimanga così abbandonato e inesplorato: ha più fascino.
AngelaAngela
Un Parco meraviglioso, ampio, poco conosciuto nella sua bellezza (forse perché valorizzato meno delle sue potenzialità e con pochi servizi, ahimé...)
Oggi ho vissuto l'esperienza emozionante del trekking che dal Santuario della Madonna del Pollino porta a Serra Crispo e al Giardino degli Dei.
Attraverso una faggeta si raggiunge l'area esposta da cui poter salire verso la cresta con i pini. Bellissimo il primo impatto con lo Skyline del monte con gli alberi, come l'ariosità del panorama sul Pollino e le altre cime!
Atmosfera surreale, difficilmente descrivibile, senza "esserci" in questa atmosfera dalla spiccata identità.
I Pini loricati, che definiscono la silhouette del "Giardino degli Dei", creano un'emozione che difficilmente si prova altrove ..
Solo qui ci sono loro, sinuosi, rugosi, aerodinamici: millenni inglobati in tronchi contorti e vissuti, aspri, eppure dal verde delle cime che sfidano il vento.
Tutto ben segnalato e agevole, se ha un minimo di allenamento e abitudine.
Palombaro lungo
Palombaro lungo
4.5
Vincent DVincent D
## Palombaro Longo: A Journey to Matera's Underground Secrets
Palombaro Longo is more than just a cave; it's a portal to Matera's fascinating past. Stepping down into its depths is like entering another world, a world of ancient ingenuity and unsettling beauty.
**A Labyrinth of Stone:**
The sheer size and scale of the cave system is breathtaking. Imagine a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers carved from sheer rock. The intricate network of walkways, built by hand centuries ago, weave a story of resilience and ingenuity. The sense of history is palpable, a reminder of how Matera's inhabitants lived and thrived beneath the city centuries ago.
**A Breathtaking Dive into History:**
Offering fascinating insights into the lives of the Sassi people who lived in these underground dwellings. You'll learn about their unique way of life, their ingenuity in adapting to the rugged terrain, and the challenges they faced.
**A Unique Sensory Experience:**
The subterranean atmosphere is both cool and hushed, adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue. The lack of natural light is a fascinating contrast to the sun-drenched city above, creating a unique experience that is both unsettling and awe-inspiring. The silence, broken only by the drip of water and the occasional whisper, is a profound and contemplative experience.
** For the Adventurous:**
Palombaro Longo is not for the faint of heart. It's a physical journey down into the depths, requiring some effort (😜) and a sense of adventure. But the experience is well worth it. It's a chance to step back in time, to experience a part of Matera that's often hidden from the tourist trail, and to appreciate the city's incredible resilience and history.
**A few things to note:**
* **Book in advance:** The tour is popular, so booking in advance is essential.
* **Limited accessibility:** The tour can be physically demanding, especially for those with mobility issues.
* **Embrace the darkness:** Be prepared for a bit of darkness; it's part of the experience!
Palombaro Longo is recommended for anyone visiting Matera. It's a journey that will stay with you long after you leave the underground tunnels.
Shanit RaphaelShanit Raphael
We decided to visit Palombardo Lungo on a blistering afternoon, more in need of a break from the sun than anything else. Handing over the €3 per adult felt a bit steep for what essentially looked like a stone archway.
We went in with low expectations, and to be honest, the experience didn't really justify the price from a historical or cultural perspective. The name itself, "lungo" (long), gives you the most accurate description: it's a long, shaded passageway that you walk through.
There's not a whole lot to see or do inside. It's a simple, well-maintained tunnel with rough-hewn stone walls and a cool, damp atmosphere. You can hear your own footsteps echoing in the quiet. However, what it lacks in visual spectacle, it more than makes up for in pure, unadulterated relief from the heat. The moment you step out of the blinding sunlight and into that cool, dark interior, it feels like a total reset for your body. It's the most refreshing few minutes you'll spend all day.
So, while I certainly wouldn't recommend it as a must-see attraction on its own merit, if you find yourself walking around under a merciless sun and your energy is starting to fade, Palombardo Lungo becomes a practical, and at that moment, invaluable refuge.
The €3 isn't for the historical significance; it's for the brief, beautiful respite from the heat. It's a great example of how sometimes the best part of a visit isn't what's advertised, but the simple comfort it provides from the elements.
Dejan BrakiDejan Braki
Palombari are huge public cisterns that collected spring water for drinking. Apart from them, people dug their own smaller cisterns for private use for themselves and the live stock which lived with them.
Palombaro Lungo was the biggest public cistern active from 16c and enlarged over the centuries. It had a capacity of 5 million liters with a depth of 16 and length of 50 met. The shape is irregular which is a result of digging and joining together several small cisterns around. The cistern walls were sealed with a water proof plaster.
People collected water with with aluminum buckets through a well which was on the square, which doesn't exist any more. It was destroyed in 1927 when a national aqueduct was built. However, you can see the mouth of well from the cistern interior.
The Palombaro cistern was rediscovered in 1991 during public works on the square. It's located on the main square of Matera. Entry fee is low, 3 Euros, and will consume around 15 min of your time
Alex SAlex S
If you are in Matera, this is definitely a must-see. With the ticket booth right as you enter and the cost being 3€, it’s very accessible and an easy visit. No need to buy tickets in advance, as this place is very efficient and you can see the whole waterway in about 15 minutes. Once you pass the ticket booth, you go down a large staircase (so definitely not wheelchair accessible) and on a passageway through the open area of the ancient water reserve of the area. I just can’t describe it properly; you have to see it for yourself.
The guy at the ticket booth was very friendly and loved cracking a good joke! Also, it is located in the center of the ancient town so you can easily access it and there are restaurants nearby if you want to grab a bite afterwards.
Hot tip: walk there. There’s little to no parking in the ancient city center, so I’d recommend either taking public transport or going on foot.
RadiaRadia
We visited on the weekend, but unfortunately the place was closed and there was no option to buy tickets. From the look of things, it seems like it may no longer be operating—lockers appeared old and dusty, though it’s possible it’s just temporarily closed (I can’t say for sure), but I see people visited it lately an it was open… I wish it was open when we visited 🥹🥹🥹
That said, you can still walk down the stairs to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the town. The entrance door is nice and the view adding it’s magic, and the historical architecture is truly beautiful and worth seeing. 🥰 Definitely a nice spot for a quick stop and some great photos! 🤩






