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
These 8th century cave settlements are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The dwellings were carved directly into the tufa rock.
Castelmezzano, Italy
The mountain village stands at 750 meters between the peaks of the Southern Dolomites. Its stone houses follow the mountain formation.
Matera, Italy
The 9th century cave church contains Byzantine frescoes. The wall paintings depict biblical scenes in bright colors.
Pertosa, Italy
The karst caves extend over three kilometers. Visitors explore the underground Negro river by boat.
Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, Italy
This zip line spans 1452 meters between the mountains and enables speeds up to 120 kilometers per hour.
Tursi, Italy
This medieval district from the 9th century contains stone houses, narrow alleys and the Santa Maria Maggiore church.
Venosa, Italy
The complex includes a 12th century Romanesque church and a Roman bath with mosaics from the 1st century.
Matera, Italy
The protected area covers 1000 hectares and hosts 150 bird species along with an artificial lake for water supply.
Aliano, Italy
Clay formations shaped by erosion create landscapes with deep ravines and rock formations.
Matera, Italy
The 17th century palace contains a collection of regional art from medieval times to the present.
Potenza and Cosenza, Italy
The park spans 192,565 hectares of forests and mountains with over 1,500 plant species and a population of Loricate Pines.
Grumento Nova, Italy
The excavation site features Roman roads, thermal baths, a theater and an amphitheater from the 1st century BC.
Ferrandina, Italy
Medieval streets wind through stone residential buildings with balconies and courtyards that have remained intact since the 15th century.
Brienza, Italy
The 13th-century fortress stands on a hill, displaying Norman defensive architecture with high walls and watchtowers.
Craco, Italy
The town was abandoned in 1963 following landslides. Stone buildings and a medieval castle stand among clay hills.
Miglionico, Italy
The medieval fortress from the 8th century became the site of a rebellion against King Ferdinand I of Naples in 1485.
