Basilicata Region
The administrative headquarters of southern Italy’s Basilicata region, encompassing two provinces and a population of over 566,000 across a territory bordered by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas.
At a glance
Basilicata is an Italian region of ordinary statute occupying the southern peninsula. Its capital, Potenza, serves as the region’s administrative center, while Matera functions as a co-capital. The region comprises two provinces: Potenza and Matera. Other significant centers include Melfi, Pisticci, and Policoro.
History
Basilicata’s past extends from Paleolithic human settlement through the development of indigenous communities. Greek colonization in the Magna Graecia period shaped coastal and interior settlements before Roman conquest brought the territory into the expanding republic. Byzantine, Lombard, and Norman rule followed, establishing feudal structures that persisted for centuries. The region remained part of the Kingdom of Naples before joining the unified Italian Kingdom and, eventually, the Italian Republic.
What you see
The regional seat occupies a strategic position in central Basilicata. The territory encompasses diverse landscapes: coastal plains along both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, interior uplands, and river valleys that have shaped settlement patterns since antiquity.
Cultural significance
Basilicata represents a crucial crossroads of Mediterranean civilizations. Its layered history—from prehistoric settlement through classical colonization, medieval feudalism, and modern administration—reflects broader patterns of southern Italian development. The region’s dual capitals acknowledge distinct cultural identities within its borders.
Key facts
- Population: 566,051 inhabitants
- Capital: Potenza
- Co-capital: Matera
- Provinces: Potenza and Matera
- Address: Via del Gallitello, 89, 85100 Potenza
- Coordinates: 40.517948, 16.0968065
- Phone: 0971 507611
- Website: http://www.regione.basilicata.it
Practical information
Basilicata is accessible from both coasts. The region maintains offices in Potenza for administrative services. Contact details and opening hours are available through the official regional website.
Getting there
Potenza lies in central Basilicata and connects to surrounding regions. Road and rail links integrate the region with Puglia (north and east), Campania (west), and Calabria (south). Coastal access points serve the Tyrrhenian and Ionian shorelines.
Sources & resources
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