The Sassi in Matera are one of the most outstanding examples of troglodyte settlements in the region. Constructed by primitive man, this settlement is still intact and has adapted perfectly to the ecosystem and the terrain of the area, which was first inhabited in palaeolithic times. The later settlements in the region are like taking a walk through the important stages of human history, because of which the area was named to UNESCO's World Heritage Site List in 1993.
Basilicata is a region in southern Italy which borders to Puglia, Calabria and Campania. The region has a short coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea and on the southeast on Gulf of Taranto. Basilicata is spread over an area of 9992 sq km. Even though there are many tourist and natural attractions in Basilicata, tourism has not yet picked up in the region quite well, mainly because of the lack of the facilities that are available in the region yet.
Valsinni is a small commune and a town located in the Basilicata region of Italy in the province of Matera. Valsinni is divided into two different inhabitations, the ancient town is located on top of the hill and the newer town is located a little further down in the valley. The town has a history that goes back to centuries. The remains of an Acropolis were found on Monte Coppolo as well as an ancient city wall. It is believed that the town was first founded by the Lucani in 4th century BC and remained an important center till the 14th century.
Matera is located in the Basilicata region of Italy. Matera has gained international recognition and is a famous tourist place because of its Sassi, the ancient homes that were carved out of solid rock. These ancient dwellings are still a part of the city and used as living spaces by people.
The Sassi are a UNESCO world heritage site and has been described as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. Due to its resemblance to the old sites in Jerusalem, Matera has also been of particular interest to Hollywood directors. Untill the 1980's the city had been quite poor but of late due to the rising tourism it has been prospering.
Potenza is located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. The city is one of the highest regional capitals in Italy and overlooks the Basento valley. During the time of the Romans, Potenza had taken the side of the enemies of Rome during the wars against the Bruttii. However in 216 BC the Romans had again acquired Potenza and had used it as a military camp.
The city is spread out over an area of 173 sq. km with the population of approximately 68,000. Over the years Potenza has suffered destruction through the bombings of World War II as well as many earthquakes.
The region of Basilicata in Italy forms the instep of the Italian "boot." It is border by Campania, Calabria, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is not a large region; it is only 9,987 sq km. The capital of Basilicata is Potenza and Basilicata is divided into two provinces; Potenza and Matera. The population is also rather small at about 611,000 people. Basilicata, or Lucania as it is sometimes called, has little in the way of economic clout. Agriculture plays a major role in the Lucanian economy despite the fact that dry weather and scare underground water supplies make farming difficult.
My recent voyage to southern Italy was made into a course of preparation for my book which is dedicated to the unpublished story of the antique Knights Templar.
As I began deepening my knowledge of this unknown land, I encountered the unexplainable paradox: Basilicata is probably the richest region in natural, environmental and historical resources in all of Europe. Also, it is known for its hard-working and honest people. Though, unfortunately it's one of the places with the least profit per capita in all of Europe; it has the highest percentage of immigration and unemployment-a true paradox.
A short passage to the church of San Biagio reflected a continued military-Templar presence. The odd part was that as much as theses places were similar, they possessed symbols that came from left field, as though thrown in on a whim. San Biagio church was odd in this way, not only, it was masked up (like many of the others)-(like the symbols and ancient expressions hidden in caves). Frescoes were plastered up behind false walls and cheap tasteless flooring covered the original in San Biagio Church.
My journey led me straight into the depths of the Italian south. It hadn't demonstrated an ordinary south, but one quite similar to a Bermuda triangle where everything usual, anything expected was not present. There I was surrounded by a certain Lucanian peace, a place deprived of humans, deprived of knowing, and yet I didn't foresee this place being the master of secrets, but they were there; stuck in rocks, plastered up within churches and painted as decorations on cave walls-I did not know that this empty land was festering deep within its foundations.
