Montalbano Jonico, Italian comune
Montalbano Jonico is a commune in the Basilicata region within the province of Matera, built on a hill approximately 300 meters (1,000 ft) above sea level. The old Terravecchia district features steep winding streets, narrow stone houses, and the Porta del Castello, which serves as the main gateway to the medieval town.
The town was founded in ancient times and developed into a fortified center with walls and towers during the medieval period. Santa Maria dell'Episcopio church was rebuilt multiple times, with its current form containing significant artworks from the 1600s and representing the community's long-standing religious and cultural hub.
The name 'Jonico' reflects the connection to the Ionian Sea, linking this hilltop settlement to the distant coast. The narrow streets of the old Terravecchia district show how residents built their homes close together for mutual protection and community.
The best time to explore is in the morning or late afternoon when light falls on the stone houses and narrow alleys feel pleasant. Since streets are quite steep, wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time for walking, especially if you want to discover all corners of the old district.
The surrounding Calanchi are dramatic clay erosion formations that preserve fossil remains of marine creatures from millions of years ago, serving as an open-air museum of ancient earth history. These geological layers tell the story of a time when the region lay beneath the sea, making the area important for scientific study.
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