Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly
Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly

Things to do in Basilicata Italy – what to see, best cities, attractions and activities.

Welcome to Basilicata in Italy, one of the most popular vacation destination in the world. If you’are planning to visit Italy for your next trip and you are looking for the best places to visit, here you’ll find tips and suggestions of most popular point of interest and activities not to be missed. Discover what to see in the main cities of art such as Potenza, the regional capital famous for its churches and the Archaeological Museum, Melfi rich in history was the first capital of the Norman domination and residence of Frederick II, Metaponto, a famous Greek city of the Ionian Sea. Finds out what to do on a day trip to the sea or in the mountains, which are the most unusual villages in Basilicata to visit. Whether you travel by motorbike or camper, or you decide to visit Basilicata in summer or winter, on a rainy or sunny day, whether you have two or three days available, Visititaly always offers you the right tips for planning a trip. Travelers will appreciate this italian region with his rich historical and artistic heritage, local culture and environment. Discover the monuments, buildings, natural treasures and all the details that characterize Basilicata and its territory. Share and suggest a place you've visited.

Basilicata's best seaside holidays - Top Sea Destinations in Basilicata

Basilicata
Basilicata

Basilicata is a region in southern Italy. It is a good holiday spot for the whole family and also for honeymoons due to its beautiful tourist sites. Basilicata has a variety of places to visit hence one has the opportunity to make choices.

There are several National Parks to visit. The largest is the Polino National Park located between Basilicata and Calabria. It has both natural sites like the snow capped peaks and archaeological sites like the ancient forests. It has rare species of animals including otters, Apennine wolf and wild cats. Movement in the park is easy as one can use horses, bicycles or even walk hence making it easy for children to visit.

Another park in Basilicata is the National Park of Appennino Locano situated in Potenza province. It is the youngest park in Italy and it has a large human population, archaeological sites and religious destinations. It is also characterized by wolves, hiking places and nice restaurants.

Another park to visit is the Gallipoli Cognate Park located in the heart of Basilicata. It has a mountain range inside it and a variety of different sceneries hence attractive to mountain climbers. Basilicata has a rich history and art: its history can be shown in its beautiful rock churches, sculptured objects and paintings.

The UNESCO world heritage site is a big tourist attraction site displaying Italians culture and history. This region also displays a rich Italian culture which is an attraction to many visitors. This has also been modified by the other tribes invading the region such as Greeks, Spain and Arabs.

Basilicata has two major coastlines with a variety of beaches.
The Ionian coast has beaches which are fit for the whole family since they are sandy and shallow.
The Tyrrhenian coast has rocky beaches which are good for those seeking adventure. The variety of activities that take place in Basilicata include swimming, mountain climbing, skating, bike riding, hiking, sport fishing, boat riding, sand bathing and sailing.
Flight of the angel and flight of the eagle are two activities attracting many tourists in this region.

written by Emilio Aronica - Last update: 01/09/2022

Venosa - Archaeological Sites

Abbazia Incompiuta (XII sec)

Work on the construction of the Abbey began in the twelfth century and were commissioned by the Benedictines, with the aim of allocating the structure as a place of worship. After the abandonment of the convent from the monks, the construction of the Abbey also stopped, so much so that it is still unfinished today. Currently, the exterior walls and the five columns are visible of the building, four of which are complete with a Corinthian capital.

Venosa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello del Balzo

The Balzo Castle was built in 1470 at the behest of Pirro del Balzo, on what was the ancient cathedral of Venosa. The story has it that Del Balzo had this castle built after a few clashes with Giovanni Antonio Orsini, uncle of his wife Maria Donata. In fact, the Venosini did not want to be commanded by another nobleman who was of origin different from those of the Orsini. The Castle was therefore born with a defensive function, later transforming itself, in the 17th century, into a noble residence.

Matera - Museums

Museo Nazionale "Domenico Ridola"

It was born in 1911 thanks to a donation from Senator Domenico Ridola. The National Archaeological Museum Of Ridola in Matera, which is also the oldest museum in Basilicata, takes us back into the past of the ancient habits of the world of our ancestors. Through the traces of the finds found in the ancient Neolithic villages of Murgia, there are evidence of the development of agriculture in the 6th millennium BC An adventure in the past not to be missed.

Maratea - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Apprezzami l'Asino (Melesino)

Torre Appreciami the Donkey Ruderi, also known as Melesino, is one of the coastal towers of the locality of Maratea. It was built in 1566 on a promontory. Its structure is divided into two parts: one, the oldest one in circular shape, and the other, more recent in a pyramidal trunk shape. The two parts were built at two different times, that's why the diversified form. The name of the building comes from a pleasant story. Today it is open to visit and is in good condition.
MASSERIA SAN TEODORO NUOVO - >Marconia
Marconia - Contrada San Teodoro Nuovo

Provinces

OUR GUIDES

Guida ufficiale di Visit Italy

Visit Italy Official Guide

Guide officiel de Visit Italy

Guía oficial de Visit Italy

Offizieller Reiseführer von Visit Italy

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Contacts

Terms of use

Covid-19 updates: information for tourists from italia.it

NEWSLETTER