Introduction to the region: Basilicata
Attribution: derivative work: Meddlin' PedantRegione_blank.svg: User:F l a n k e r / Public domain
The region of Basilicata is divided into only two provinces – the Province of Potenza and Province of Matera. Potenza is, in fact, the regional capital. Matera is now a ‘capital of culture’, and you can read more about it in the following post.
A view of Matera in the region of Basilicata
Like all regions of Italy, Basilicata has ancient origins. During the classical, that is, Greek and Roman periods, the region was called Lucania. This is still the name of the cuisine from the region, and you can read more about it in the Food and Wine post. Later, the name Basilicata emerged. One popular and feasible theory is that the name is related to the Byzantine emperors, who “ ruled the region for 200 years, from 536-552 to 571-590 and from 879 -1059. Others argue that the name may refer to the Basilica of Acerenza, which held judicial power in the Middle Ages.” There is also a town called Acerenza, known as the ‘cathedral town’; find out more about it here. Beyond cathedrals, the town of Melfi is famous for a castle, probably constructed by the Normans in the 11th century. Melfi is also part of the Vulture area, which is significant for the DOC wine Aglianico del Vulture that is produced in the volcanic soil here; again, read more in the Food and Wine post.
Furthermore, the famous Latin poet Horace, responsible for the popular phrase ‘Carpe Diem’ among many others, is from the city of Venosa in the region. I also have a friend and colleague from Venosa, who kindly recommended Osteria Pico and Al Caveoso in Matera. Find out more in the restaurants post.
Regional Features
I have essentially embedded the regional features into this post, namely, Acerenza, Melfi and Venosa.
In addition, I would combine a visit to Matera with Puglia and thus some of the regional features in this neighboring region. Like us, you could visit Bari, for example, if you fly or take the train in. It is only a 50-minute drive between the city of Bari in Puglia and Matera in Basilicata. If you have a car, you might make a more epic trip and drive to and through the region of Calabria. You can reach the border in less than 1 hour and 30 minutes. A last city in the neighboring region of Puglia is Altamura, known as the ‘city of bread.’ It came recommended because of the popular bread, Pane di Altamura, and as a scenic, but not widely known hilltop town near Matera. I opted to combine regional features in this way because I have not yet had the opportunity to visit these places. Hopefully, I will have the occasion soon!