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Port of Maratea - Photo (c)
Dio Campagna
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Maratea and the Tyrrenian coast
The Lucanian Tyrrhenian coast comprises a 30 km stretch running from Punta del Crivi,
just north of Acquafredda, to the Spiaggia “d'a Gnola”, south of the Secca di
Castrocucco.
Approaching from the Valle del Noce, coming through Trecchina, all
of a sudden the verdant landscape of woods in an exciting leap plummets to the
sea. An unbroken chain of coves, promontories and islets stud the deep, deep
blue of this stretch of the Tyrrhenian.
Maratea scattered over the mountains and
along the coast seems to have been part of the land forever. The sight that
meets the eyes can only be described as a small corner of paradise.
This coast, surrounded by mountains and a mantel of woods,
has only been the destination of a tourist in search for places that offer rare
natural beauty since the sixties.
Yet Maratea's natural surroundings are only
the scenic backdrop to a land steeped in history and culture.
A stay here offers
the visitor the chance of a new awareness.
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When Maratea was founded is still
doubtful. Probably of Greek origin – in the VIII century B.C. a group of Greek
colonies established a bridgehead on Mount San Biagio – Maratea seems to be the
remains of the lost Roman town ‘Blanda Julia’, which for a much well-supported
hypothesis today would seem to have been located around the mouth of the river
Noce on the bottom slopes of Mount Castrocucco.
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The certainty that the surroundings of Maratea were bustling with life
comes from the fact that the small island of Santo lanni which is found a few
meters off the coast was used in Roman times for the trading of 'Garum', a fish
sauce the Romans held very dear.
The enthusiasm and forbearance of the
archaeologists who carry out on-field digs in the area has brought to light a
series of tubs in ground earthenware, ideal for marinating the fish used in the
preparation of Garum, as well as a collection of breeding tubs in the area to
the south of the island.
The search was prompted by what can only be called a bed of
anchors, dating back to 300 B.C. located in the stretch of sea around Santo
lanni.
The findings of this fascinating research can be seen in the ‘Museo
Comunale di Maratea’ (Maratea Town Hall Museum).
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Maratea sea coast - Photo (c)
Ettore Caruso
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The sea is one of the cleanest in Italy (Maratea
is equipped with one of the most avant-garde purifiers in Europe), and the coast
is studded with hordes of small beaches and grottoes engulfed in uncontaminated
surroundings.
The rocky sea bed is very deep almost from the
coast and is ideal for observing sea life. And by the way, you should
know that in the stretch of sea above Castrocucco a proposal for a
marine park has been put forward to safeguard the eco-balance and the
archaeological finds and a Roman villa with tubs like those found in
Santo lanni, near Capo la Secca. Navigation is facilitated by a tourist
harbor in Maratea which is very well-equipped and capable of mooring even large
vessels.
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Maratea - Photo (c)
Ettore Caruso
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The center of Maratea, with its characteristic
medieval district offers a very pleasant stroll through the ‘vicoli’
(lanes) which not only offer the visitor the chance for some shopping
but also a series of international, cultural entertainment with art
shows, concerts of classical music as well as jazz and folk events.
There are many excursions organized throughout the entire Basilicata.
Another interesting feature of Maratea is the cyclopic statue of Christ
the Redeemer, 21 m high and an arm span of 19 m. Dominating from mount
San Biagio it overlooks the entire panorama where the view includes the
coast and some of the hinterland. To complete the description, hotel
accommodation is quite remarkable. The restaurants are a treat and offer
a range of the local Lucania cuisine as well as the original dishes of
some competent cooks.
Courtesy of the
Basilicata Official Tourist Board
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(c) 1997-2008 E. Massetti
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