Southern Italy

Discover Basilicata

Tucked away in Southern Italy, Basilicata is a region of mountain villages, ancient towns, wonderful food and traditions that have survived for generations.

It’s also the home of my maternal family and a place I continue to return to — not just because of my heritage, but because there is still so much here to discover.

Come and discover Basilicata with me.

San Fele above a green valley, viewed from the sign for the cascades
San Fele through my own lens.

San Fele

The village at the heart of my family story.

My first visit was in 1990. Returning in 2025 brought new connections with family and a fresh way of seeing familiar places.

Read my story
Stone buildings and a bell tower in Matera at dusk
Matera in the evening.

Matera

Ancient cave dwellings, extraordinary history and one of Basilicata’s most remarkable places.

Beyond The Tourist Trail

Small villages, local food, traditions, landscapes and the places I’ve discovered along the way.

A hillside town with tiled roofs overlooking green hills and countryside
A hilltop view from my travels.

Hilltop Churches & Towers

Churches and bell towers are part of the village landscape, anchoring community identity and spirituality. These sacred spaces have witnessed baptisms, weddings, funerals and prayers across generations.

Parish records can also offer clues for family-history research.

Returning to San Fele

A group together outdoors, with the hills near San Fele behind them
Time together in San Fele.
A group gathered around a table sharing a meal
A meal shared during my return.

I’ll be adding more stories from my travels here — the places, food, traditions and discoveries along the way. Come back and explore with me.

Explore the other regions