Basilicata

Basilicata

Known in Roman times as Lucania, Basilicata is situaded in the South of Italy between Puglia and Calabria, bordering Campania on the North-East. Mainly mountainous and with an extreme climate, the region has experienced  a large-scale emigration in the past two centuries. Today the population is only around 600.000. Potenza is the capital with almost 400.000 people, while the rest of the population is concentraded on the coast where tourism is becoming an increasing source of income for the Region. The coastal resort of Maratea is one of the finest in the South of Italy.

The region is prone to Earthquakes, one in 1857 almost destroyed Potenza completely.

As a general rule, the cuisine is fairly simple, with fresh meats and seasonal vegetables, as well as sausages - in particular the "Luganega", a long smooth-sided (no links) sausage that was well known and highly admired by the Ancient Romans and continues to delight today.