Italy's Fascinating Basilicata Region

Basilicata is an interesting region in southern Italy often overlooked by travelers. Basilicata, often called the instep of Italy's boot, is a mountainous region with bits of jagged, rocky coastline.

Probably the most fascinating city in Basilicata is Matera, known for its sassi, unusual cave houses and rock churches, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of my favorite Italian festivals, Festa della Madonna Bruna, takes place in Matera.

Fans of Carlo Levi will want to visit the village of Aliano where Carlo lived in exile. His intriguing book, Christ Stopped in Eboli (compare prices), was written about Basilicata and his experiences in Aliano.

Basilicata offers stunning landscapes, Roman and Greek settlements, white sand beaches, and museums without the crowds. Take a look at Basilicata with our Basilicata Map and Travel Essentials.

_{Basilicata Travel Map © 2007 by James Martin, Europe for Visitors, licensed to about.com}