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!

MARATEA - TRECCHINA - LAURIA
After an adventurous walk along the coast of Maratea, breathing the fresh sea air and enjoying the breathtaking view, we dive into the lively and magical heart of the hinterland. From the suggestive Trecchina plateau, with its ancient Lombard walls that make us feel like true medieval explorers, we head towards Lauria. Here, in addition to being famous for the miracle bread that stays fresh for days and for the numerous festivals in honor of the saints, spectacular peaks and waterways that sparkle like diamonds in the sky await us.

MOLITERNO - TRAMUTOLA
Continuing our journey, we pass through the picturesque towns of Moliterno and Tramutola, where legends are told of black water springs with healing powers and the scent of adventure.
Tramutola, whose name means "abundant with water", celebrates its water richness which once characterized its marshy terrain. Here since ancient times stories have been told of springs of black water, scented with sulfur and with miraculous powers! We are in the heart of Val d'Agri, a paradise of lush woods and emerald green pastures, dominated by oil but enriched by mysterious sources and ancient stories that take us back in time. In the Val d'Agri, among lush forests and emerald green meadows, there is a magical mix of nature and industry, because the gigantic oil field managed by the Eni oil center is located right here. But don't be distracted by the underground frenzy, because while you walk, you might come across a secret spring, hidden among the vegetation, where the water flows brightly green! This is just one of the many mysteries that make this area so fascinating and full of stories to tell. And you know what? Some of this water was even brought to the 1878 Paris Universal Exhibition! 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 lively tourist centre, populated by B&Bs that warmly welcome adventurers in search of excitement. Here, among the sounds of the bells and the scents of local specialties, we immerse ourselves in the authentic atmosphere of Lucanian life. In Viggiano, the real jewel is the Black Madonna, celebrated with exciting processions that take her to the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of the Sacro Monte in May and bring her back to the heart of the town in September.

variant: Grumentum and the Pietra del Pertusillo lake.

Ah, the Pertusillo needle! Don't let the name fool you, there's no giant sewing needle here! Instead, it is 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 the film - has given rise to a particular and rich ecosystem, so much so that the WWF jealously takes care of it!
Once upon a time, in the distant Roman past in Lucania, there was Grumentum! Today, we can still see its remains in the enchanting archaeological park, right at the foot of the hill where the town of Grumento Nova stands, near the suggestive Pietra del Pertusillo lake.
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 lived through turbulent times, with two epic battles against the Carthaginians during the Second Punic War. After the social war, the city suffered destruction and looting, but recovered in the 1st century BC, with the construction of public monuments and the attribution of the status of colony.
In 312 AD, the young Christian St. Laverius was beheaded outside the walls of Grumentum and became a revered martyr. In 370 AD, Grumentum became an episcopal seat, but then the city suffered a slow decline due to Saracen incursions in the 9th and 10th centuries.
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ALIANO
From Corleto Perticara, we admire the breathtaking spectacle of the gullies around Aliano, the town of exile of Carlo Levi. Here, isolation reigns supreme, transforming Aliano into a magical and mysterious place that envelops us with its charm. The picturesque town stands proud on the majestic gullies, rock formations sculpted by the incessant work of the sun and rain. It is here that Levi was confined and spent his days, drawing inspiration from the austere beauty of this place for his famous novel "Christ Stopped at Eboli".

CRACO

Crossing an ancient path, we head towards Craco, a village abandoned by its inhabitants in the 1960s but still alive in the tales and legends of the region. Here, among the houses invaded by wild nature and the deserted streets, we feel like the protagonists of an adventure from times gone by. Hey, have you ever heard of this ghost town? It's like it's straight out of a horror movie! You really can't enter because there is an absolute ban on entry, the houses are so ruined that they could collapse at any moment! But you know what? Even from afar, Craco gives you a breathtaking view, surrounded as it is by those gullies that seem to have come straight from a film set!

variant: Matera - Tursi
From Craco, we can choose to head towards Matera, which needs no further words, or towards the sea through Tursi, a land rich in history and legendary battles. Tursi is an enchanting village, the city that gave birth to Albino Pierro, twice nominated for the Nobel Prize for literature, which stands on a sandstone hill between the Agri and Sinni rivers, surrounded by spectacular cliffs, the "jaramme" , as Pierro called them.
Get ready for an unforgettable visit to Rabatana di Tursi, an ancient Arab neighborhood nestled among the clayey gullies, with its fascinating stone and brick houses. Walking along its narrow streets, you will find yourself walking among the remains of ancient times, exploring the humble homes of the past.
And don't forget to visit the magnificent Roman Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Anglona, one of the jewels of the region, famous for its frescoes from the Norman era. 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, prepare yourself for an experience that will leave you breathless, between history, art and spirituality in 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 us a unique experience that combines the beauty of the sea with the richness of the Lucanian hinterland.

In the current coat of arms of Basilicata the four great rivers that cross it are represented:

Bradano, Basento, Sinni, Agri

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