policoro
10 June 2018   •   Carolina Attanasio

Instaborghi: Policoro, Italy, and the aromas of Basilicata

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«This week, with Instaborghi, we explore Policoro and the wonders of the Metaponto plain»

After the trip to Polignano last week (click here), we move a few kilometers to the west, among the wonders of the Metaponto plain. Policoro, Italy (tourist site), in spite of those who believe that Basilicata – like Molise – is a mythological entity, is one of the most characteristic villages of the Ionian coast. Built in 680 BC by settlers from Asia Minor, it was destroyed by the Achaeans and rebuilt by the colonies of Taranto and Thuru, with the name of Heraclea. Because of its strategic position, at the center of the Gulf of Taranto, Policoro was elected seat of the Italiot League, thus becoming the most important crossroads in the area.

Policoro is still the deep soul of the Ionian coast, immersed in the Metaponto plain, a mystical place that combines archeology with the sea. The village is reminiscent of the atmosphere of the past, illuminated in the evening by the lights coming from the small stone houses of the old town, the ideal place to sip good wine and local products, enjoying the cool after a day at the beach.

 What to see in Policoro, Italy

Policoro is not only a charming village, but also an important archaeological site. The National Museum of Siritide, adjacent to the remains of the ancient city of Siris-Heraclea, is the place to visit to know all the phases of human presence over the centuries, from the Neolithic to the Romanization. A chronological path back in time, whose findings clarify the importance of Policoro as a strategic point of the Gulf. The Museum is located inside the Archaeological Park, where it is still possible to admire the Sanctuary of Demeter and the Archaic Temple dedicated to Dionysus. If being immersed in nature is what interests you, the Bosco Pantano, very close to Policoro, is a strange example of vegetation typical of temperate-humid climates, unusual compared to the warmer climate of the Ionian coast. Inside the village do not miss Palazzo Berlingieri, the baronial seat of the village, built around the year 1000 by the Basilian monks and handed over to Baron Berlingieri in 1893. In the Murat Gardens, instead, the main summer events take place. Another beating center of Policoro.

What to do in Policoro, Italy

Not just sea, but lots of outdoor activities. If you love golf, in Policoro you can practice it immersed in citrus groves and vineyards, just a few steps from the sea. Sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, diving in the Ionian seabed, sport fishing, you really are spoiled for choice. There are paths on foot, bicycle or horseback along the Pantano Woods and the Metaponto Nature Reserve, equipped with picnic areas. The beach is known not only for its fine sand, but also because here the sea turtles are regulars in spawning and, not too far, it is not difficult to come across groups of dolphins.

What to eat and Policoro, Italy

The spearhead of the village is the Strawberry Candonga, the result of various crossings of the Metapontino variety, all absolutely natural, which make this product very tasty, with an intense red color. Tradition related to street food not to be missed, however, is the Falaone, a panzerotto filled with meat, vegetables or potatoes.

A little curiosity about Policoro, Italy

For years now, in the month of August Policoro hosts the Blues in town festival, considered one of the most important festivals in southern Italy dedicated to the blues, now a fixed showcase of great international names of the genre. Also not to be missed is Meraviglie di Sabbia, a competition between artists who challenge each other with sand strokes up to three meters high.

Carolina Attanasio

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