Regions Landmarks Lodging Genealogy
Province Matera Provincia di Potenza Provinces of Basilicata

Region Basilicata

Basilicata is a small region, mostly mountainous, situated in Southern Italy and with two short coastlines on the Ionian and the Thyrrenian Sea, and divided into 2 Provinces: province of Matera (MT), Province of Potenza (PZ)

The most important mountains are Volturino, 2005 m, and Sirino, 1835 m. Among the rivers are the Gravida, Bradano, Basento, Cavone, Agri, Sinni; the lakes are San Giuliano, Lake of Pietra del Petrusillo and Lake of Abate Atonia.

The region, due to massive emigration in the past, is underpopulated, especially in the Eastern and central areas. The economy is mostly based on agriculture; industrial development is low, though there are some flourishing crafts sectors, such as ceramics, woodwork and textiles. A great promise and hope is tourism, mostly along the Thyrrenian coast.

History

view Archeological findings show that the areas of the rivers were inhabited since Paleolithic times. In the 13th century BC the Lyki (probably at the origin of the name Lucani), coming from the Danube area, settled in the region and in the following century were greatly enriched culturally by the the Greeks, who colonized the region in the 8th century BC, who founded at the mouths of the largest rivers the cities of Metaponto, Heraclea, Posidonia.

The Lucani established a strong military state and fought against the inhabitants of Apulia for long centuries. After being allied to the Romans, they sided with Hannibal in the Punic wars. Under the Empire the region was called Bruttium, then between 1932 and 1945 was renamed Lucania, to become finally "Basilicata" under the Republic.

Landmarks

 

Lodging in Basilicata:

  • Province of Matera
  • Province of Potenza