Southwestern Basilicata

<< Basilicata

Southwestern Basilicata is the southern half of the Province of Potenza. This area is mostly mountainous, and includes part of the massif of Pollino, known for its gorgeous and pristine natural environment. This part of the region also features a short shoreline on the Tyrrhenian Sea, which houses the famous seaside resort of Maratea.

Maratea

Maratea is a town and seaside resort located on the Tyrrhenian Sea in Basilicata. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the town emerged during the Middle Ages, and recently developed as a popular tourist destination, becoming famous for its beautiful coastline.

✪ Christ the Redeemer of Maratea

The Christ the Redeemer of Maratea (Cristo Redentore di Maratea) is a large statue located on top of Monte San Biagio, a mountain overlooking Maratea. Built in the 1960s, it is one of the tallest statues of Jesus in the world, and one of the largest statues in Italy, with a height of over 21 meters. This is also among the most recognizable landmarks of Basilicata, and a famous tourist attraction. The statue is located on what was once the old town of Maratea, before the city was moved to the coast. This area also features some ruins of the old buildings and the Basilica of San Biagio, a medieval church that was later reworked and houses various artworks.

Marina di Maratea Cave

Also known as: Grotta delle Meraviglie

The Marina di Maratea Cave (Grotta di Marina di Maratea) is a cave located next to the coast south of Maratea. This coast features various seaside caves, but this is the only one that can be visited. The cave features various peculiar rock formations in a gorgeous environment.

Lagonegro

Lagonegro is a town located among the mountains north of Maratea in Basilicata. A town of ancient origins, it emerged as a fortified position in the Middle Ages, and remained a relevant regional center for centuries. Now it is known for its beautiful old town.

Lagonegro Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Nicola (Cattedrale di San Nicola)

The Lagonegro Cathedral (Cattedrale di Lagonegro) is the main church of Lagonegro, located on a hill that overlooks the town. Built around the 9th or 10th century, it was reworked and rebuilt a few times, and houses various artworks.

Latronico

Latronico is a small town in the Province of Potenza, located among the mountains of southwestern Basilicata near the Pollino National Park. Inhabited since ancient times, the modern town emerged in the Middle Ages and now features a beautiful old town.

Terme Lucane

The Terme Lucane are a thermal complex located just outside Latronico, at the foot of Monte Alpi. The spa, often visited by locals, is surrounded by a park featuring a small waterfall and contemporary artworks.

San Severino Lucano

San Severino Lucano is a town is southern Basilicata, located inside the Pollino National Park. The small town is best known for the beautiful natural environment that surrounds it.

Bosco Magnano

The Bosco Magnano is a forest located in the Pollino National Park just north of San Severino Lucano, known for its dense vegetation and pristine environment. Among the main attractions in this area is a hidden waterfall formed by the Peschiera stream. From the waterfall, a path follows the stream as it flows through the forest.

Rotonda

Rotonda is a small town located at the border between Basilicata and Calabria. The town has been a small center throughout its long history, and it is known for its gorgeous natural environment. Rotonda houses the seat of the Pollino National Park.

Paleontological and Naturalistic Museum of Pollino

The Paleontological and Naturalistic Museum of Pollino (Museo Paleontologico e Naturalistico del Pollino) is a museum in Rotonda dedicated to the natural history of Pollino. Its collection includes various fossils of prehistoric animals, and exhibition on the local environment.

San Paolo Albanese

San Paolo Albanese is a tiny village in southern Basilicata, located in the Pollino National Park near the border with Calabria. Along with the nearby San Costantino Albanese, this hamlet was founded in the 16th century by Albanian refugees, which became known as Arbëreshë. To this day San Paolo Albanese is one of the main center of the Arbëreshë community and culture.

Museum of Arbëreshë Culture

The Museum of Arbëreshë Culture (Museo della Cultura Arbëreshë) is an ethnographic museum in San Paolo Albanese. The museum is dedicated to the Arbëreshë people and culture, and houses various objects and tools that showcase the traditional life of this community.

Sant’Arcangelo

Sant’Arcangelo is town located among the mountains of southern Basilicata, in the Province of Potenza. Inhabited since ancient times, the modern town emerged in the Middle Ages

Abbey of Santa Maria d’Orsoleo

The Abbey of Santa Maria d’Orsoleo (Abbazia di Santa Maria d’Orsoleo) is a religious complex located in the mountains southwest of Sant’Arcangelo. Built in the 15th century, its interiors are adorned with various artworks. Part of the complex now serves as a museum of local history and art.

Grumento Nova

Grumento Nova is a small town located in central Basilicata, in the Province of Potenza. This was once the site of the ancient Roman town of Grumentum, which was an important stronghold for centuries. Grumentum was abandoned after it was damaged by Saracen raids, and Grumento Nova was founded nearby.

Archaeological Park of Grumentum

The Archaeological Park of Grumentum (Parco Archeologico di Grumentum) houses the ruins of the ancient town, and is located just east of the modern Grumento Nova. The park features the ruins of various structures, including some temples, a forum, a thermal complex, and a theater. Near the park is the National Archaeological Museum of Alta Val d’Agri (Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’Alta Val d’Agri), which houses several archaeological findings unearthed around the town, mostly dating from the pre-Roman and Roman era.