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The region of Italy known as Basilicata is located in the arch of the boot and is divided into two provinces, Potenza and Matera. Basilicata meets the Ionian Sea at the Gulf of Taranto to the southeast and is bordered on either side by the regions of Puglia and Campania provinces. Basilicata, Italy has a long history of seismic events and is home to the extinct volcano Monte Vulture, located an hour north of the city Potenza. Because of seismic phenomenons, ancient cities were destroyed or completely abandoned in the region. Basilicata has an amazing landscape which is rocky in places, half mountainous, and the other half is very green hill country. The white sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages, and numerous historic sites remain unspoiled and barely known to the tourist industry, making the region the best way to see real life in Italy.
The province of Matera is home to the medieval town of Craco which is perched high on the cliffs of the local mountains and is essentially a ghost town. During the middle of the last century, Craco was devastated by a series of earthquakes and major geological instability. In1963 the entire population of 1,800 residents of Craco moved to a more stable location leaving the town completely empty and abandoned. This fascinating town can be seen only from a car driving through the area because it is too unsafe on foot.
The town of Potenza, located in the Appenine Mountains, is another Basilicata town which lost the battle against Mother Nature. In 1857, the majority of the town was destroyed by an earthquake. Later, World War II destroyed what was left of the town’s ancient and medieval structures. The resilient residents of Potenza worked to restore some of the ancient buildings including Cathedral of San Gerardo. A trip to Potenza is a captivating look into ancient civilizations and their history.
Melfi is located in the foothills of the extinct volcano Mount Vulture and was once the headquarters of the Roman Emperor Frederick II. A commanding stone castle, perched on top of a green rolling hill, overlooks the surrounding town and is an icon of bygone civilizations. A tour through the castle gives tourists the opportunity to experience the rich history of ancient civilizations of the region. It is possible to arrange for a native Italian guide to conduct personal tours of the castle.
 Basilicata, Italy is relatively untouched by the tourist industry, so which ever part of Basilicata you decide to visit; you will experience real Italian life, not an Italian city transformed to accommodate tourists. There may be no waiter to bring drinks while sun worshiping on a sandy white beach, but it won’t be crowded by tourist either. This gives visitors a chance to discover the beauty and history of the region in their own time without having to adhere to the schedule of a guided tour. See ancient ruins by car, hike through the history of an ancient civilization, and dine at local restaurants to experience Italian life first hand.
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Basilicata, Italy By City
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Avigliano
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Bella
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Bernalda
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Ferrandina
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Francavilla in Sinni
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Genzano di Lucania
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Grassano
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Irsina
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Lagonegro
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Latronico
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Lauria
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Lavello
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Maratea
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Marsico Nuovo
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Marsicovetere
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Matera
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Melfi
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Montalbano Jonico
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Montescaglioso
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Moliterno
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Muro Lucano
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Nova Siri
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Pietragalla
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Picerno
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Pignola
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Pisticci
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Palazzo San Gervasio
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Potenza
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Policoro
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Pomarico
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Rapolla
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Rionero in Vulture
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Sant'Arcangelo
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Scanzano Jonico
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Senise
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Stigliano
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Tito
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Tricarico
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Tursi
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Venosa
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