Discover Basilicata...Italy’s best kept secret

Discover the destinations…THE ANCIENT CIT Y OF MATERA

The Sassi – the ancient cave dwellings right in the centre ofthe city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and used asa backdrop for the Mel Gibson film The Passion of the Christ

The Natural History Park of the Matera Cave Churches –also a UNESCO heritage site

A range of boutique hotels and elegant restaurants within theSassi cave districts

T WO STUNNING COASTLINES

Basilicata is nestled between two beautiful coasts, the Ionianand the Tyrrhenian

The Ionian coast close to Matera, has resorts such asMetaponto, with miles of white sand beaches shelving gentlyinto the sea and is perfect for families.

The Tyrrhenian coast – spectacular, plunging cliffs leadingto sandy coves and the elegant town of Maratea – one of Italy’smost beautiful resorts. This coast is as dramatic as the famousAmalfi coast but little known outside Italy

THE MOUNTAINS

Offering breathtaking peaks and forested valleys, the LucanianDolomites are a spectacular mountain range cutting acrossBasilicata. Visit hilltop towns such as Rivello, Irsina andMontescaglioso, and mountain villages such as the stunningPietrapertosa and the medieval Castelmezzano. Basilicatacontains Italy’s largest national park (Pollino), with someof Europe’s most pristine and spectacular scenery.

Discover an unparalleled natural wilderness, two stunningcoastlines and attractions you can find nowhere else on earth.

THE FLIGHT OF THE ANGEL

One of Europe’s most exciting adventure activities,The Flight of the Angel is an amazing experience andoffers unparalleled views; the perfect way to really seethe mountain scenery – only for the brave-hearted!The fastest zipwire in the world, it is an incredible1550m Tyrolean traverse from the peaks ofCastelmezzano to Pietrapertosa. Feel an adrenalinerush unlike any other as you travel at speeds of upto 120kph at heights of up to 888m suspended ona wire between the two mountain top towns.

WALKING AND HIKING

The National Parks offer wonderful trails with wellsignposted networks for all terrain walks. You can alsoenjoy the scenery on horseback or even in a whitewater raft! The highest peak is Monte Pollino (2248m),where a climb to the top will be rewarded with views ofboth the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts. The valleys arecarpeted with wild flowers in spring.

Explore and Experience…There is so much to see and do in this small and spectacular region.If you want peace and solitude, there are miles of white sandbeaches with hidden coves just waiting to be explored and wherethe water is crystal clear. For the more adventurous, here is aselection of highlights:

Discover the jaw dropping city of Materaand the unspoiled beaches of chic Maratea.

SAILING AND DIVING

The Tyrrhenian coast at Maratea offers manyopportunities for sailing, diving and snorkelling.Boat trips to visit the famous sea caves are alsopossible here.

FAMILY FUN

There are many water parks, as well as traditionalfamily based activities, near the coasts. Inland,Tramutola Water Park in the Val dell’Agri is animpressive attraction offering something for everyage group, with heated pools and many slides andgames for children. It is located in a very picturesquearea with scenic walks, river, picnic area and car park.

FESTIVALS

Festivals in Basilicata are vibrant, colourful andimportant traditions. Usually based around pre-Christianreligious events or the seasons, they take placethroughout the year and are a wonderful way to soakup the local culture.

ART AND CULTURE

Basilicata has hundreds of rock churches, some withancient frescoes, hosts many regional festivals, and hasechoes of classical times – this area was once part ofMagna Graecia. Highlights include:

The Greek temple of Hera at Metaponto

The Natural History Park of the Materarock churches

Medieval churches with links to the Knights Templar

GASTRONOMIC TOURS

Basilicata’s traditional cuisine features hearty food whichmakes use of the plentiful local ingredients, as well assoaking up influences from the many invaders whopassed through the region. Food is locally sourced,usually organic and always prepared with the freshestingredients. Specialities include Basilicata bread, famousthroughout Italy, salami, sausage, traditional pasta madewith local cheese and strips of peppers, and the notablewine Aglianico del Vulture.

MelfiVenosa

Ripacandida

Acerenza

Terranovadi Pollino

Rivello

Castelmezzano

Pietrapertosa

POTENZA

MARATEA

Irsina

Montescaglioso

MATERA

Craco

Tursi

Metaponto

Accettura

Getting to Basilicata…FLIGHTS

Palese Airport in Bari is serviced by Ryanair flightsfrom London Stansted.

Naples Airport Aeroporto Capodichino is servicedby a variety of carriers including Easyjet, BMI andBritish Airways.

Discover a land where the place oflife is slow and tourists are rare.

Discover the real,timeless Italy.

To do in 2010A selection of events and activities to temptyou to Basilicata in 2010…

MADONNA DELLA BRUNA FESTIVAL

2 July, Matera

The city of Matera honors its patron from dawn onthe 2 July each year in a colourful, exciting festivalinvolving the whole town.

POLLINO MUSIC FESTIVAL

6-8 August

Live music in the breathtaking surroundings of Italy’slargest National Park.

BRIGANTI PARK

July and September, near Potenza

The biggest popular theatre event in Italy, involving400 volunteers from the local community who re-enactthe history of the southern Italian brigands duringthe Risorgimento.

LIVE THEATRE

Throughout the summer, Metaponto and Venosa

In the stunning archaeological parks of Metaponto andVenosa. Enjoy famous poductions in classical settings.

IL MAGGIO

May to June, Accettura

Accettura is famous for its annual marriage of trees.An Oak tree is felled, then dragged into the villageby oxen, where it is ‘married’ to a Holly tree whichis attached to the top. The town’s men then competeto see who can climb the highest.

AGLIANICA WINE FESTIAVAL

September

Celebrate the robust and well regarded winesof Basilicata in beautiful surroundings.

For more information on Basilicata, visitwww.discoverbasilicata.com/uk

“A region of Italy that is still preserved,that is still authentic, that is stillunpolluted… Italy undisturbed,the way it really was”Francis Ford Coppola