In Italy there is a village famous for having 44 churches. It’s worth exploring as it looks like something out of a watercolor painting.
Representing a real pearl to discover, the village can be explored far and wide and even admired from the sea.
A village overlooking the sea
Not everyone knows the village famous for its 44 churches and its black beaches. We are talking about Maratea, the village located in Gulf of Policastro, in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata. The village, which overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, has been included among the most beautiful in Italy since last year.
The origins of the village date back to the Middle Paleolithic, as the first traces of stable settlements were discovered at Capo la Timpa, a promontory where today the town’s port was built. A village, therefore, already inhabited in the Bronze Age.
Then, over the centuries, different populations such as that of the Greeks took turns who made the village of Maratea a real focal point for trade, even for the Enotri. Then, when the Romans arrived, the patrician villas proliferated. During the Middle Ages, however, the inhabitants moved upwards to protect themselves from enemies. This allowed him to resist the Aragonese attacks during the Angevins.
Why visit it
The symbol of Maratea is represented by the imposing Christ which dominates the fortress. However, there are also many other suggestive buildings to visit, especially in the historic center. Among these, the Palazzo Lieto and the Mermaid Fountain stand out.
There is no shortage of opportunities to go trekking, visit ghost villages (there is one 10 km away) and take advantage of the crystal clear waters that lap black sand beaches. Not far from the historic center of Marina of Maratea there is also the Cave of Wonders which goes down to 8 meters deep and can be visited either by small boat or on foot.
The surprises of Maratea, however, do not end here since, within an hour’s drive it is possible to reach the Pollino National Park where flora and fauna proliferate undisturbed.
Impossible not to mention the 44 churches scattered throughout the territory. Sacred art is also supported by the presence of monasteries and chapels which can be found in any alley and ravine both in the village and in nearby places. An unmissable beauty to mark in your diary if you find yourself in Basilicata.
