52 Things to See and Do in Basilicata

 The First Complete Guide on Basilicata in English

We have lived in Basilicata for ten years and visited the far reaches of this unique region. Drawing on our experiences and after extensive research my wife Valerie has published the only completely comprehensive guidebook on this region. 

It digs into the history, cuisine, culture and the people to show you 52 things, and more, to see and do in the land called Lucania.

The book is available in paperback and e-book format at your favorite on-line source:

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Towns of Basilicata: Craco

An abandoned town since the 1960's, Craco is surreal and has been used for several films.  The hulking outlines of once-grand buildings stand on the hill and the ghost-town is now a tourist attraction operated by the new town.

Some surnames your ancestors from Craco might have include: Montemurro, Seccafico, Rinaldi, Grossi, Lacopeta, Mormando.

Towns of Basilicata: Guardia Perticara

Once you arrive by the winding mountain roads you will quickly be charmed by the stone walls of Guardia Perticara. Montano, Leudisio, Vomero, Grezzi, Carcia, Santa Lucia, Lavella are some of the family names originating from Guardia Perticara.

Towns of Basilicata: Aliano

You will find a charming town settled amongst an interesting landscape in Aliano, the final resting place of Carlo Levi. You will find these family names originating from Aliano: Scelzi, Pepe, Serra, Marino, Pisani, Grimaldi, Mattetelli.

Towns of Basilicata: Vietri di Potenza

Along the route between Salerno and Potenza you will easily see Vietri di Potenza occupying a will among the mountains of Basilicata. Vince Lombardi's family originated from this town and you will find these other family names here: Pitta, Pascaretta, Macellaro, Fabio, Gorga, Zirpoli, Faruolo

Towns of Basilicata: Brienza

The first thing you notice when approaching Brienza is the castle that stands above the medieval quarter. Some of the family names from Brienza are Lopardo, Collazzo, Scelzo, Palladino, Macchia, Molinaro, Varallo.

Towns of Basilicata: Palazzo San Gervasio

Palazzo San Gervasio is located near the border with Puglia. The main church is named for San Nicola. You will find these names in and around Palazzo San Gervasio: Palermo, Liberatore, Cancellara, Paradiso, Saponara, Cicoria, Griesi.

Towns of Basilicata: Garaguso

 

The small town of Garaguso has roots that reach back to the time of when Basilicata was part of Magna Grecia. You will find these names in Garaguso: Rizzuti, Auletta, Colucci, Salerno, Moles, Costanzo

Towns of Basilicata: Accettura

 

Accettura is located in a national park and is well-known for their unique festival in May involving trees. Common names in Accettura are: Piliero, Bartiluccio, Perriello, Sampogna, Morace, Trojano

Towns of Basilicata: Pisticci

Pisticci is famous for the uniform houses and for being the home of the liquor Amaro Lucano. You will find these names to be common: Quinto, Viggiani, D’Alessandra, Vena, Lopatriello, Panetta.

Towns of Basilicata: San Fele

 

The small hill town of San Fele is the ancestral village of Danny DeVito. Other common names in this comune are:  Girardi, Ricigliano, Di Giacomo, Sperduto, Carlucci, Colangelo, Caputi.

Towns of Basilicata: Maratea

 

Maratea has a lively old town above the blue coastal waters. A great place to visit the Mediterranean Coast without the crowds of Amalfi. Some common names from Maratea are: Limongi, Brando, Schettino, Lammoglia, Martino, Montesano, Panza.

Towns of Basilicata: Tursi

 

The origins of Tursi go back a thousand years and the top of the town has a quaint Arab quarter. Some common family names from Tursi are: Di Noia, Cuccarese, Tauro, Rondinelli, Fusco, Santamaria

Towns of Basilicata: Abriola

 

Abriola is perched on the top of a hill in central Basilicata. Some common surnames from Abriola: Sarli, De Stefano, Dapoto, Triunfo, Larocca, Berterame, Lombardi.

Towns of Basilicata: Ripacandida

The frescos in the Church of San Donato are spectacular.
Surnames from Ripcandida include: Martino, Gioiosa, Labriola, Musto, Sinisi, Perretta.

Towns of Basilicata: Laurenzana

The setting of the castle ruins and the mother church above the town make for a spectacular backdrop. Surnames from Laurenzana are Trivigno, Martoccia, Pavese, Fanelli, Romano, Nigro, Zito and Manzi.

Towns of Basilicata: Avigliano

 

Avigliano sits in a valley just north of Potenza. Some common surnames from Avigliano are Sabia, Coviello, Pace, Mecca, Sileo, Possidente and Summa.

Towns of Basilicata: Trivigno

Trivigno is a small village situated above the Basento River. Common surnames from Trivigno are Padula, Guarini, Bollettino, Larocca, Maggio, Petrone, Prete and Fanelli.

Towns of Basilicata: Muro Lucano

Muro Lucano is reportedly in the area where Hannibal was finally turned back by Marcellus in the Second Punic War. Common names here include: Cerone, Pacella, Nardiello, Zaccardo, Perillo, Ferracane, Tummillo.

Towns of Basilicata: Calvello

Calvello is situated amidst mountains. Common names found here include: Gallicchio, Larocca, Vitaccia, Ancarola, De Stefano, Pietrantuono