Maratea is a coastal city where the beauty of nature blends harmoniously with art and history, becoming the ideal destination for any type of traveller.
It seems almost suspended between the sky and the sea along the Tyrrhenian coast of Basilicata: the so-called “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea” offers a mixture of pristine beaches, breathtaking cliffs, ancient monuments and enviable gastronomy.
The origins and history of Maratea
The origins of the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian” date back to the time of the Greek influence on the territory. Also the name “Marathia”, meaning place of fennel, reveals the connection with the Hellenic culture while the denomination “Thea Maris”, that is, Goddess of the sea, emphasizes the importance of its coastal position.
Being halfway between sky and sea, the ancient Maratea preserves archaeological riches both on land and in the seabed, offering vivid evidence of the passage of ancient civilizations along its coasts.
Mount San Biagio has been the scene of Lombard and Norman dominations because of its strategic position, becoming over the centuries a fortified fortress. Also the coastal towers erected by the Saracens and the ruins of the castle of Castrocucco testify the tumultuous history of the city.
Due to population growth, the original settlement (Upper Maratea) later gave rise to Lower Maratea, the present old town. The destruction of the walls and much of the fortified city of Maratea Superiore during the French offensive of the nineteenth century led to the fusion of the two settlements, giving rise to the present Maratea.
The natural beauty of Maratea between sea and beaches
The landscape of Maratea is characterized by the alternation of sandy beaches and imposing cliffs that rise above the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a panorama that enchants. How is the sea in Maratea? It is blue, transparent and characterized by slowly sloping seabeds.
The coast, about thirty-two kilometers long, clarifies one of the reasons why go to Maratea offering a series of small coves and hidden coves, accessible only by sea or through paths immersed in the Mediterranean.
What is the most beautiful beach of Maratea is difficult to define, although among the most famous is the picturesque Cala Janita, a black sandy beach nestled between the high rocky walls.
Maratea: what to see in the city
The numerous monuments and historical sites reflect the history of Maratea, although its undisputed symbol is the monumental statue of Christ the Redeemer or Christ of Maratea, twenty-two meters high and located on Mount San Biagio, overlooking the city and offers a spectacular view of the coast and the Gulf of Policastro.
In addition to the statue of Christ the Redeemer, it is known as the “city of forty-four churches” because of its rich religious heritage, with churches, chapels, cloisters and hermitages scattered throughout the territory, including the Church of San Vito, the Church of the Immaculate and the Basilica of San Biagio.
The Church of the Grotta dell’Angelo, located in a natural cavity of Monte San Biagio (right under the hand of Christ), considered by many as the oldest Christian place of worship in the territory, deserves special mention.
Activities in the open air in Maratea
Lovers of outdoor activities will discover in Maratea a territory with a wide range of possibilities to try.
Hikers can venture along the paths that wind between the peaks of the Pollino National Park or even reach the Cilento-Vallo del Diano National Park or the Appennino Lucano Val D’agri Lagonegrese National Park.
Those who love water sports can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea by scuba diving or participating in boat excursions along the coast.
Foto : Unsplash
The delicious gastronomy of Maratea
The trip to Maratea is not complete without a taste of the products and typical dishes of a gastronomy that reflects its privileged position between the sea and the mountains.
Fish is the protagonist of the local cuisine, with dishes such as fish soup or cod alla lucana that delight the most demanding palates. In addition, local meats and cheeses and vegetables grown in the surrounding hills are fundamental ingredients of Marateota cuisine.
The sweet tooth can satisfy the palate with mostaccioli (biscuits of almond paste covered with chocolate), accompanied by the typical Crithmum, a liqueur based on sea fennel.
Maratea: how to get there
Maratea can be easily reached even if you arrive from afar thanks to the four airports of the nearby regions (Lamezia Terme, Salerno, Naples and Fiumicino), from which you can leave by car or train to get to Maratea.
Travelers from nearby areas can reach the city by car, along roads through countryside and villages or by train enjoying the journey along the railway line. The bus is a valid alternative for those who leave from the main urban centers.
Copertina: Unsplash
