Basilicata, Southern Italian region between Campania, Calabria and Puglia, Italy
Basilicata is a southern Italian region stretching between the Apennine mountains and the Ionian coast, with a narrow strip along the Tyrrhenian Sea. The landscape shifts between rugged peaks, wooded hills and small plains scattered along river valleys.
The earliest inhabitants left traces in cave settlements before Greek colonists founded coastal cities in the 8th century BCE. The area later fell under Roman control, then Byzantine, Norman and Spanish rule before becoming part of unified Italy.
Visitors find a kitchen tradition built around durum wheat, peppers, lamb and locally made cheeses. The inhabitants still practice crafts like fabric weaving and pottery making, visible in small workshops across the region.
Visitors find two provinces with different landscapes: Potenza sits inland with access to mountain areas, while Matera is closer to the coast. Many places remain remote, so a car is useful for reaching smaller villages and secluded valleys.
The whole region has one of the lowest population densities in Italy, with many abandoned villages scattered across the hills. Some of these settlements have been rediscovered as photo backdrops or starting points for hikers, but remain mostly empty.
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