Basilicata Coast to Coast
Our itinerary proposal in Basilicata
In the distant 2010, in Italian cinemas, Basilicata Coast to Coast! had great success! Directed by Rocco Papaleo, this film truly captured the hearts of audiences, offering us a sweet and light poem about a piece of Italy that many did not know.
Our proposed itinerary does not necessarily follow that of the film but draws inspiration from it to enrich it with additional stops and variations that can be used at will to construct your own personal Basilicata Coast to Coast itinerary.
The route of Basilicata Coast to Coast
I was born in Basilicata. Yes, Basilicata exists. It's a bit like the concept of God, do you believe it or you don't believe it. I believe in Basilicata. I saw her!
( Rocco Papaleo, Basilicata Coast to Coast )
MARATEA - TRECCHINA - LAURIA
After an adventurous walk along the coast of Maratea, breathing in the fresh sea air and enjoying the breathtaking view, we dive into the lively and magical heart of the inland. From the evocative plateau of Trecchina, with its ancient Lombard walls that make us feel like true medieval explorers, we head towards Lauria. Here, besides being famous for the miraculous bread that stays fresh for days and for numerous festivals in honor of the saints, we are greeted by spectacular peaks and streams that sparkle like diamonds in the sky.
MOLITERNO - TRAMUTOLA
Continuing our journey, we cross the picturesque locations of Moliterno and Tramutola, where legends of black water springs with healing powers and an air of adventure are told.
Tramutola, whose name means "abundant in water," celebrates its rich water supply that once characterized its marshy terrain. Here, since ancient times, stories of black water springs, sulfur-scented and miraculous, have been told! We are in the heart of the Val d'Agri, a paradise of lush forests and emerald green pastures, dominated by oil but enriched by mysterious springs and ancient tales that take us back in time. In the Val d'Agri, among lush forests and emerald green pastures, there is a magical mix of nature and industry, because right here lies the enormous oil deposit managed by the Olio Center of Eni. But don't let the underground frenzy distract you, because as you walk, you might stumble upon a secret spring, hidden among the vegetation, where the water gushes out in a vibrant green! This is just one of the many mysteries that make this area so fascinating and rich in stories to tell. And do you know something? A bit of this water was even brought to the Paris Universal Exposition of 1878! But let's move on to something even more interesting!
variant: Viggiano
Our next stop is Viggiano, which, with the arrival of Eni in 2001, has transformed into a vibrant tourist center, populated with B&Bs that warmly welcome adventurers seeking thrills. Here, amidst the sounds of church bells and the aromas of local specialties, we immerse ourselves in the authentic atmosphere of Lucanian life. In Viggiano, the true jewel is the Black Madonna, celebrated with enthusiastic processions that carry her to the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of the Sacred Mountain in May and return her to the heart of the town in September.
variant: Grumentum and the Pertusillo Stone Lake.
Ah, the Pertusillo Lake! Don't be fooled by the name, there's no giant sewing needle here! It's actually an artificial lake, built between 1957 and 1962. The landscape is truly evocative, and over the years, the presence of the lake and its dam - which even had a cameo in a film - has given rise to a particular and rich ecosystem, so much so that the WWF takes care of it jealously!
Once, in a distant Roman past in Lucania, there was Grumentum! Today, we can still see its remains in the charming archaeological park, right at the foot of the hill where the town of Grumento Nova stands, near the evocative lake of Pietra del Pertusillo.
The history of Grumentum dates back to the 3rd century BC, when the Romans founded it as a strategic outpost during the Samnite Wars. The city became an important communication hub, with roads connecting Venusia, Heraclea, and the Via Popilia on the Tyrrhenian side.
Grumentum experienced turbulent times, with two epic battles against the Carthaginians during the Second Punic War. After the Social War, the city suffered destruction and plunder, but it recovered in the 1st century BC, with the construction of public monuments and the granting of colonial status.
In 312 AD, the young Christian S. Laverio was beheaded outside the walls of Grumentum and became a venerated martyr. In 370 AD, Grumentum became a bishopric, but then the city suffered a slow decline due to Saracen raids in the 9th and 10th centuries.
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ALIANO
From Corleto Perticara, we admire the breathtaking spectacle of the badlands around Aliano, the exile town of Carlo Levi. Here, isolation reigns supreme, transforming Aliano into a magical and mysterious place that envelops us with its charm. The picturesque town proudly rises on majestic badlands, rocky formations sculpted by the relentless work of the sun and rain. It is here that Levi was exiled and spent his days, drawing inspiration from the austere beauty of this place for his famous novel "Christ Stopped at Eboli".
CRACO
Crossing an old path, we head towards Craco, an abandoned village deserted by its inhabitants in the '60s but still alive in the tales and legends of the region. Here, among houses invaded by wild nature and deserted streets, we feel like protagonists of an adventure from another time. Hey, have you ever heard of this ghost town? It's like it came straight out of a horror film! You can't enter because there's an absolute no-entry rule, the houses are so ruined that they could collapse at any moment! But you know what? Even from afar, Craco offers a breathtaking view, surrounded as it is by those ravines that seem to have come straight from a movie set!
variant: Matera - Tursi
From Craco, we can choose to head towards Matera, which needs no further description, or towards the sea through Tursi, a land rich in history and legendary battles. The charming village of Tursi, the birthplace of Albino Pierro, twice nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature, rises on a sandstone hill between the rivers Agri and Sinni, surrounded by spectacular cliffs, the "jaramme," as Pierro called them.
Get ready for an unforgettable visit to the Rabatana of Tursi, an ancient Arab quarter nestled between the clay ravines, with its enchanting stone and brick houses. Walking through its narrow streets, you will find yourself wandering among the remains of ancient times, exploring the humble dwellings of the past.
And don't forget to visit the magnificent Romanesque Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Anglona, one of the jewels of the region, famous for its Norman frescoes. Since 1931, this sanctuary has been recognized as a national monument, and the pilgrimage in honor of Santa Maria di Anglona is one of the most significant events for the Lucanian people.
In short, get ready for an experience that will leave you breathless, between history, art, and spirituality at the heart of Tursi!
POLICORO - SCANZANO IONICO
Finally, we reach the coast, where Policoro and Scanzano Jonico welcome us with their golden beaches and crystal clear waters, offering a unique experience that combines the beauty of the sea with the richness of the Lucanian hinterland.
BASILICATA
In the current coat of arms of Basilicata, the four major rivers that cross it are represented:
Bradano, Basento, Sinni, Agri
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