In the province of Matera there are small villages such as Rotondella, Metaponto and Policoro where you can discover the charm of Magna Grecia. Here there are important archaeological sites that allow you to rediscover the ancient history of these places.
Each of these small towns tells the history of the area and allows you to admire wonderful views. Even the flavors of the products and recipes of the traditional cuisine of Matera will satisfy visitors who want to discover it.
Rotondella: treasure chest among the hills of Basilicata.
Rotondella is a wonderful little village located in the province of Matera in Basilicata. Here you can admire a wonderful landscape. This is a magical place to discover and is among the most interesting in the region. Its geographical location in the hills of Lucania with sea views makes it one of the favorite destinations for those looking for wonderful views.
Despite its small size, the village offers many things to see for the many visitors who come here. In the center of the town there are many historic buildings worthy of note such as the palaces that bear the names of the families that have left a trace in the history of these places. The most evocative are undoubtedly Palazzo Rondinelli, which still retains its tower and Palazzo Bitonte.
Another building to visit is the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie that was built between the end of the ‘500 and the beginning of ‘600. Inside there are many wooden statues depicting the Madonna and San Antonio the patron saint of the village.
The village of Metaponto: taste of ancient Greece
Metaponto is one of the most famous localities of Basilicata founded by the Greeks in the second half of the 7th century B.C. Here, In fact, there are some important archaeological sites such as the Archaeological Park of Metaponto where are preserved important finds related to the ancient city of Metapontum. Inside the archaeological area there are the Palatine Tables.
It is the remains of an ancient time dedicated to Hera and built in the 6th century B.C. In the park you can also visit the House of the Gauls which has floors and walls covered with mosaics. Another villa to visit is the Imperial one built by Diocletian in the IV century AD.
In the territory of Metaponto there is also the Biogenetic Nature Reserve where you can make two paths walking in nature. This area has become a nature reserve since 1972 to conserve biodiversity and at the same time enhance the ecosystems present in this area. Another interesting place to visit is located just outside the town.
This is the Castle of Torre Mare chosen in 1119 by Emma Maccabeo di Montescaglioso as a family home. At that time the tower was built to defend the territory. Later, the castle became the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Michael the Archangel of Montescaglioso.
Foto : Unsplash
Policoro: the town of the Ionian coast
The small town of Policoro is located not far from the sea and overlooks the Gulf of Taranto in the province of Matera. One of the most interesting buildings of the small village of Basilicata is the Baronial Castle. This is characterized by its architectural beauty and its slightly raised position that allows you to see the sea.
Dating back to the year 1000 it was originally a monastery and then was transformed in 1791 into a noble house. Policoro is located a short distance from the ruins of the ancient city of Heracleia a settlement of the fifth century BC. Here you can see the Sanctuary of Demeter and the Temple of Dionysius. In addition, in the National Archaeological Museum of Siritide are exposed finds found in these territories.
Policoro also has some very interesting natural attractions such as Bosco Pantano. This is a WWF oasis characterized by rich vegetation alternating with swampy areas. In these places live sea turtles and monk seals and is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Here we also find foxes, wolves and more than 170 different species of birds.
The dishes of the traditional cuisine of Matera
These territories of the province of Matera are also known for the excellent quality of traditional products of the place. Policoro is famous for its fruit and vegetable crops such as, for example, the strawberry of Policoro which is particularly juicy.
Rotondella, Metaponto, Policoro : the villages of the Ionian coast near MateraThe oldest dishes of the traditional cuisine of Matera is crapiata that has origins dating back to Roman times. It is a soup that is prepared using different legumes and was prepared in the past in the days before the harvest.
Another traditional dish is that of the waffle that is prepared with soaked bread that is cooked with vegetables and eggs. Among the first courses one of the most famous specialties is that of orecchiette alla materana. The pasta is seasoned with lamb, pecorino cheese and mozzarella. However, among the second are very popular recipes that include the use of lamb such as that of rolls. In addition to meat, cheese and herbs are added.
Copertina: Pixabay
