Basilicata in southern Italy contains cave settlements, medieval castles and nature parks. The region features Roman ruins, karst caves and abandoned villages. The area includes Pollino National Park with rare pine species and historic centers like Matera with its Sassi cave dwellings.
Matera, Italy
Sassi di MateraThese 8th century cave settlements are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The dwellings were carved directly into the tufa rock.
Castelmezzano, Italy
Castelmezzano VillageThe mountain village stands at 750 meters between the peaks of the Southern Dolomites. Its stone houses follow the mountain formation.
Matera, Italy
Crypt of the Original SinThe 9th century cave church contains Byzantine frescoes. The wall paintings depict biblical scenes in bright colors.
Pertosa, Italy
Pertosa CavesThe karst caves extend over three kilometers. Visitors explore the underground Negro river by boat.
Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, Italy
Flight of the AngelThis zip line spans 1452 meters between the mountains and enables speeds up to 120 kilometers per hour.
Tursi, Italy
Rabatana of TursiThis medieval district from the 9th century contains stone houses, narrow alleys and the Santa Maria Maggiore church.
Venosa, Italy
Venosa AbbeyThe complex includes a 12th century Romanesque church and a Roman bath with mosaics from the 1st century.
Matera, Italy
San Giuliano Regional ReserveThe protected area covers 1000 hectares and hosts 150 bird species along with an artificial lake for water supply.
Aliano, Italy
Aliano BadlandsClay formations shaped by erosion create landscapes with deep ravines and rock formations.
Matera, Italy
Palazzo LanfranchiThe 17th century palace contains a collection of regional art from medieval times to the present.
Potenza and Cosenza, Italy
Pollino National ParkThe park spans 192,565 hectares of forests and mountains with over 1,500 plant species and a population of Loricate Pines.
Grumento Nova, Italy
Archeological Park of GrumentumThe excavation site features Roman roads, thermal baths, a theater and an amphitheater from the 1st century BC.
Ferrandina, Italy
Ferrandina Old TownMedieval streets wind through stone residential buildings with balconies and courtyards that have remained intact since the 15th century.
Brienza, Italy
Brienza CastleThe 13th-century fortress stands on a hill, displaying Norman defensive architecture with high walls and watchtowers.
Craco, Italy
Ghost Town of CracoThe town was abandoned in 1963 following landslides. Stone buildings and a medieval castle stand among clay hills.
Miglionico, Italy
Malconsiglio CastleThe medieval fortress from the 8th century became the site of a rebellion against King Ferdinand I of Naples in 1485.