The Wild Lands of Basilicata

Once in Pietrelcina, you can’t help but retrace the steps of Padre Pio, who was born in this town.
Inside the Museum of Memories, attached to the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, you’ll be touched to see the objects that belonged to the saint, from the cradle to his writing desk to the clothes and objects of his daily life.
The museum is free and open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., but it is advisable to contact the facility to check for any changes in the timetable; to do so, consult the website.

Another unmissable stop on your visit to Pietrelcina is the Church of the Holy Family, built at the express wish of Padre Pio.
It’s of utmost importance for all believers and also for history enthusiasts, as it houses a relic of the saint, the only one outside San Giovanni Rotondo, where his body lies.

On the way to Melfi, make a stop at the Aragonese Customs House (or Palazzo della Bufata), an imposing quadrangular-shaped fortress with towers at the corners, whose original purpose was presumably a royal hunting lodge and/or transit station for transhumant flocks.
Often a setting for events, especially during the summer, the inner courtyard is also worth a visit – there you’ll really feel catapulted back into the Middle Ages.
More information on opening days can be found on the website.

Enter Basilicata and start exploring it, starting with its cuisine. A land with a strong rural tradition, it will surprise you with its wholesome and tasty flavours that will express the close connection between nature and culture.
Sit down at Miseria e Nobiltà and let yourself be seduced by the dishes on the menu, the friendliness of the staff, and the wines, which are of excellent quality in the Vulture-Melfese area.
Be warned: once you’ve tried it, you’ll no longer be able to live without the typical "peperone crusco", the undisputed prince of Lucanian cuisine!
The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; on Saturday evenings it stays open until 11:30 p.m.
To get a foretaste of your meal and to book your table, visit the website.

The Castle of Melfi is an essential stop on any historical-cultural itinerary through Basilicata, of which it is the best-known castle.
Its massive structure, composed of ten towers and perched on a hill above the city, is accessible through an entrance above the ancient drawbridge.
Inside, you can find the Melfese National Archaeological Museum, which is particularly valuable for the exhibits it contains.
The castle can be visited every day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except Mondays, when access is only possible from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For more information, visit the website.

Park your car in the Monte Carmine meadow and get ready for a view that will leave you breathless.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a must-see place. As soon as you set foot in it, you find yourself enveloped in a sudden sense of peace.
The view around the church is more impressive than ever; take your time to contemplate the beauty of nature that surrounds this enchanted place.
In addition to the panorama, you can visit the interior of the church, where the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Patroness of the citizens of Avigliana, is situated.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Park your car here to set out to discover Castelmezzano, one of the most beautiful villages in Basilicata and the whole of Italy, located in the so-called Lucanian Dolomites.

Stroll through the fairy-tale village of Castelmezzano, which seems to be carved into the rock, up to the imposing and peculiar Norman staircase.
You’ll have lots of one-of-a-kind surprises during this walk, such as the remains of the ancient Norman castle, which you’ll easily recognise.
The steps will take you to the highest point of the village, from which you’ll feel as if you can touch the Lucanian sky with your finger as you enjoy the view over the Basento Valley.
If you want to climb the Norman steps, it is absolutely required that you make a reservation and be accompanied by a guide, who’ll provide everything you need to tackle the walk.
Visit the website to book your experience.

Get back in the car to start the last leg of today’s road trip.

Stop along the way to admire a true spectacle of nature: the badlands.
Badlands are a geomorphological phenomenon as fascinating as they are magical. Thanks to their wild shape, the badlands will transport you to a lunar landscape that you’ll find hard to forget.

Park your car here, just a short walk from the entrance to the Rabatana, the area's earliest human settlement and therefore a veritable open-air museum.

Culinary art, poetry, and history will accompany you during your stay at the Palace of Poets, which emerges among ancient houses and narrow streets that seem frozen in time.
You’ll have the chance to enjoy traditional Lucanian dishes that change with the seasons, guaranteeing you fresh, wholesome ingredients every time. Dining at Palazzo dei Poeti is not only a culinary experience but also a full cultural experience: in fact, the owner will recite verses from local poems to immerse you deeper and deeper into the traditional heritage and atmosphere of this timeless place.
Finally, sleep in one of the rooms that the Palace offers to its guests, and wake up the next day in the placid silence of an ancient village, which will make your stay even more enchanting.
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