POTENZA

POTENZA

Potenza is the highest provincial capital above sea level in Italy, overlooking the valley of the Basento river, nestled in the Appenine Mountains of Lucania, Southern Italy. Most of the town itself was destroyed by an earthquake in 1857 and what remained suffered significant damage in World War 2. This means that Potenza has lost most of its ancient and medieval buildings, although some have been rebuilt. One such structure is the cathedral, originally built in the 12th century and then restored in the 18th which contains the remains of St Gerard, Potenza’s patron saint. The Museo Archeologico Provincale is found to the North of the town centre and contains numerous interesting artefacts, ranging from prehistoric to Roman times, well worth a visit on your trip to Basilicata.

VENOSA – STEEPED IN HISTORY

Venosa is a gem found at the foot of Mount Vulture to the North of Potenza. It is a small town with ancient origins and a colourful past. The Abbazia della Santissima Trinità is one of the most historically interesting monuments in Southern Italy, and the largest monastic complex in Basilicata. It was build above a Roman temple by the Benedictines in 1046 and contains an 11th century abbey and the Holy Trinity Church. The Church contains the tomb of the Norman crusader, Robert Guiscard, as well as beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The Parco Archeologico is situated at the northeastern edge of Venosa and contains the ruins of a Roman settlement including an amphitheatre and a spa. For the historian both places are essential visits to add to your itinerary during your trip to Basilicata.

MELFI – FREDERICK'S FAVOURITE HAUNT

Melfi is found in the foothills of Mount Vulture and is most famous for being the chosen headquarters of the Roman Emperor Frederick 2; the imposing stone castle which stands on the hill was said to be his favourite residence. The town itself is enclosed in city walls, the only one of its kind in Southern Italy and is dominated by the castle which has been modified by its various residents over the years, and now includes an impressive 10 towers, 7 rectangular and 3 pentagonal. Inside you will find the Museo Archeologico del Melfese which has a fascinating collection of local artefacts dating back to 8th century BC.

The area surrounding Melfi is also full of historical and beautiful sights. 3km away from the town is the Crypt of Santa Margherita, the most important cave church in the Melfi area, entirely carved out of the rock in the 13th century. The interior of the cave is covered with frescoes and paintings recounting the life and martyrdom of Saint Margaret. This is a fascinating place to visit and unlike anything else in the area.

During your visit to Basilicata, you should plan to see the Laghi di Monticchio, situated to the southwest of Melfi. These are 2 beautiful volcanic lakes, surrounded by thick, green vegetation, a delightful place to walk in either summer or winter. In the summer you can hire pedal boats and investigate the lakes for yourselves. The stately Benedictine Abbey of San Michele overlooks the lakes, high in the forests and is a wonderful place of calm.

PIETRAPERTOSA

Pietrapertosa is built on the mountainside in the Lucane Dolomites. Surrounded by sheer rock face on all sides the town is sometimes known as the City in the Clouds. Mainly untouched by tourism, a visit to Pietrapertosa during your holiday in Southern Italy will ensure you experience the real Italy. It is also the one of the destinations on Il Volo dell’Angelo.

CASTELMEZZANO

Castelmezzano is one of the highest villages in Basilicata with clusters of houses perching on a narrow ledge that drops away into dramatic gorges. It is so high up that the village is often shrouded in mist, giving it an out of this world feel. It is also one of the destinations on Il Volo dell’Angelo and provides stunning views of the region on clear days.

ACERENZA – ‘THE CATHEDRAL CITY’

Acerenza is perched over 800m high on a crag in the Upper Bradano Valley and is known as ‘The Cathedral City’. The Cathedral itself is a declared national monument and the town nestles in its grounds. The Cathedral was built in the 11th century, based on the Benedictine monasteries and its crypt is one of the most interesting examples of Renaissance architecture in Southern Italy. Acerenza is listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, well worth a visit on your trip to Basilicata.

RIVELLO – ‘TOWN OF TWO HALVES’

On your trip to Basilicata, make a visit to Rivello, a town with a very interesting history. Situated overlooking the Noce valley, it was seen as a very good strategic position to occupy and was fought over for centuries by the Lombards and the Byzantines. When neither power was able to prevail over the other, it was decided that the Lombards would occupy the lower part of the town, and the Byzantines, the upper part. This unusual compromise created two unique cultures in one town. Each area has its own central church with beautiful frescoes and the town’s charm lies in the intricate network of narrow alleys and stairways.

RIPACANDIDA – ‘THE ILLUSTRATED BIBLE’

Ripacandida, a town famous for its production of oil and wine, enjoys a spectacular panoramic position on Mount Vulture. The town’s most interesting features are its churches, the most notable being San Donato, built before the 11th century in a gothic style an containing frescoes from the 15th century. The frescoes have been compared to the Upper Basilica in Assisi and depict popular scenes from the Old and New Testaments, leading them to be described as the ‘illustrated Bible’.