It is one of the least visited and most pristine regions of the country.
Capital: Potenza.
Provinces: Potenza and Matera.
Borders: Campania (west), Apulia/Puglia (north/east), and Calabria (south).
Landscape: Predominantly mountainous and hilly (almost half mountains), featuring the Lucanian Dolomites, Pollino National Park, forests, and short coastlines on two seas (Tyrrhenian Sea in the west with a rocky coast near Maratea, Ionian Sea in the east with sandy beaches).
Highlight: Matera – world-famous for the Sassi (prehistoric limestone cave dwellings), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a former European Capital of Culture.
Atmosphere: Authentic, peaceful, little mass tourism, rugged nature, old villages, good red wines (Aglianico del Vulture), wild boar, and simple, hearty cuisine.
Formerly: Poorest region of Italy, known from the book *Christ Stopped at Eboli* by Carlo Levi.
Now a 'hidden gem' and up-and-coming destination.
In short: if you are looking for authentic Southern Italy with spectacular nature, prehistoric history, and few crowds, Basilicata is ideal.
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