Mount S.Biagio | Maratea | the visit

The old Maratea

On Mount San Biagio is located the highest inhabited area (644 m a.s.l.) of Maratea, characterized by the ruins of the fortified core of houses (known as the Castle) constituting "Maratia Superior," which was later abandoned in favor of the current Historic Center.

The visit includes the ruins of Castello, the Sanctuary of San Biagio and the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Also in the area is the fascinating Grotta dell’Angelo (Angel’s Cave), recommended for experienced cavers only.

The visit

Starting with the visit to the Basilica of St. Blaise, one can proceed confidently towards the statue of the Redeemer.

On the right, below on a terrace, the ancient protective walls of the city can be seen, unfortunately not accessible for close inspection today.

Along the avenue, on the right, the ruins of two towers can be distinguished, once part of the ancient Porta dei Carpini.

Reaching the belvedere of the Redentore, the eye cannot help but fall upon the enchanting panorama of the Maratea coast.

The Castle

Returning towards the Basilica, one descends to the right, where the square leads into the ruins of the ancient Maratea "Castle".

Along the old dirt road that runs through the ruins, one notices immediately a turret with red brick arches.

This was one of the many civilian towers that protected the settlement.

Descending the rocky road, one enters the core of the ancient citadel, which appears to be literally gutted for the construction of the road itself.

One can therefore notice the interiors of the houses, which, like creations of a bizarre artist's imagination, depict interesting architectural patterns.

The small size of the buildings, a quarter of normal size, and the bread ovens hanging on the walls is immediately noticeable.

Along the road, on the right, the majestic Ventapane Palace opens up, a grand building with 32 apartments.

The large hexagonal loggia, which opens with square windows onto the sea, is flanked by a series of arches that connect it to the surrounding houses.

Ascending towards Cudetta, the only intact farmhouse, one can admire the houses of ancient Maratea as they appeared centuries ago.

Continuing along the bends of the modern road, one notices the ruins of another tower, with a square arrow slit: this was positioned to protect Porta S. Maria, which opened a little further down.

From here, you can retrace the road to return to the parking lot behind the Basilica of S. Biagio.

Italy's last travel frontier