Not many fans of Italy can say they have been to Basilicata and many no doubt, have not even heard of it. Its one of those regions that rarely gets a mention although there are some wonderful areas to explore as well as the fabulously long Ionian coastline of pristine silver sand beaches. The region is blessed with spectacular hill top villages and historic sites, Abbeys and volcanic lakes.
Matera Sassi – the first human settlement in Italy
Check out the fascinating Sassi di Matera - ‘stones of Matera' - prehistoric cave dwellings in the Italian city of Matera. Situated in the old town, they are composed of the Sasso Caveoso and the later Sasso Barisano. They originate from a prehistoric (troglodyte) settlement, and are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy.The Sassi are houses dug into the tuff rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Puglia. Many of these "houses" are really only caverns, and the streets in some parts of the Sassi often are located on the rooftops of other houses. The ancient town grew in height on one slope of the ravine created by a river that is now a small stream.
Craco – the ‘ghostly' abandoned village
The medieval village of Craco is about 25 miles inland from the Gulf of Taranto at the instep of the “boot” of Italy between Matera and the Pollino National Park. It's not accessible unless you have a car as it's on a hill that has suffered from landslides and is crumbling away.The old centre is uninhabited and altho
ugh it's not permitted to walk through the ruins, the view of the town on approach is quite spectacular. It is possible to walk up to the Castle's tower at the summit and admire the amazing panorama.Craco was built on a very steep summit, for defensive reasons, giving it a stark and striking appearance and distinguishing it from the surrounding lands which are characterized by soft shapes. The center, built on the highest side of the town, facing a ridge runs steeply to the southwest where newer buildings exist. The town sits atop a 400 meter high cliff that overlooks the Cavone River
valley.
Lake Monticchio and the Benedictine Abbey
Just southwest of Melfi is Laghi di Monticchio - 2 beautiful volcanic lakes, surrounded by thick, green vegetation perfect for walking year round. With the stately Benedictine Abbey of San Michele looking down across the lakes, high in the forests, it's a wonderful place of calm.For information and help with a holiday to the region of Basilicata http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=3
