Basilicata

History

Basilicata, known in antiquity as Lucania, was inhabited by the Lucanians and later absorbed into the Roman Republic after years of conflict. Its coastal strip attracted significant Greek colonization, with Metaponto and Herakleia leaving some of the finest Greek temples and archaeological remains in Italy. In the medieval era the region was dominated by Byzantines, Lombards, and Normans, and the famous Sassi cave-dwellings of Matera — inhabited continuously for at least 9,000 years — became a haunting symbol of extreme rural poverty by the 20th century. Carlo Levi's 1945 memoir 'Christ Stopped at Eboli,' written during his confinement here, brought international attention to Basilicata's hardships. Matera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and served as European Capital of Culture in 2019, transforming from a symbol of poverty into a celebrated destination. The region remains one of Italy's least populated and least industrialised, which is precisely what preserves its extraordinary character.

Culture

Basilicata is one of Italy's least-visited regions, prized for its raw, authentic character and ancient cave-dwelling heritage. Locals are immensely proud of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO site representing one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Festivals are deeply tied to pagan and Christian traditions layered over millennia — the Festa della Bruna in Matera (July 2nd) is a spectacular procession combining both. Food culture centres on hearty mountain ingredients: peperoni cruschi (dried sweet peppers), aged Pecorino di Filiano, and lagane e ceci (pasta with chickpeas) are regional staples. The Arbëreshë communities in some villages maintain a living Albanian cultural heritage dating back 500 years, with their own distinct traditions and dress.

Language

Basilicata's dialect, Lucano, blends archaic Italian with Greek, Albanian, and Norman influences and can be challenging even for standard Italian speakers. It varies significantly between mountain villages and coastal towns. In Arbëreshë communities near San Paolo Albanese and San Costantino Albanese, you may hear a living form of 15th-century Albanian still spoken as a first language — a remarkable linguistic survival. Useful everyday phrases are 'Buongiorno' (good morning), 'Grazie mille' (many thanks), and 'Dov'è?' (Where is?). English is limited outside Matera, so basic Italian is genuinely helpful here. Locals deeply appreciate any effort to communicate in Italian, however simple.

Best time to visit

Visit in spring (April–June) or early autumn (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Places to visit

Where to eat