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Continue reading →: Why Frankly ItalyI am going to start this blog by introducing myself and my connection to Italy, by starting with my close association to Pisticci, Matera, and Basilicata. I have travelled Basilicata, the insole of the “boot”, as a tourist for a good part of my life. I was born in Canada,…
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Continue reading →: A Perfect Day in FerrandinaFerrandina is another of the Basilicatan towns with roots in Greece, dating back to Magna Grecia, approximately 1000 BC. The original Greek name was Troilia, which was built in memory of the ancient Greek city of Troia, located in Asia Minor. The name change to Ferrandina by King Frederick of…
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Continue reading →: The Sassi of MateraBackground The internationally reknown “Sassi” of Matera is an unforgettable visit; in Basilicata it is a “must see”. Once you get there and start wandering the relics of the old town, your first thought is likely to be “how could people live here, like this?” Known as “la Città Sotterranea” (the Subterranean…
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Continue reading →: A Walk in PisticciAfter lunch, in the mid to late afternoon, plan on driving up to Pisticci. In advance, you should decide whether you want a guided tour which the Torre Fiore staff (www.hoteltorrefiore.com) can help set up, or whether you do the walk on your own. I would recommend a guided tour…
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Continue reading →: Museo Essenza LucanoMuseo Essenza is a relatively new museum/ bar and a very welcome addition to Pisticci; it is the immersive presentation centre for all products produced by Amaro Lucano. I highly recommend this, and I recommend that you visit it early in your stay, as you may want to get there…
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Continue reading →: CASTELMEZZANO to PIETRAPERTOSA and backThis is a rare opportunity to experience two exceptional small towns in a single day; Castelmezzano has been recognized by The Telegraph in 2017 amongst “Italy’s 19 most beautiful villages”, and Pietrapertosa has been recognized by CNN in 2019 amongst its “20 most beautiful villages in Italy”. All you have…
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Continue reading →: CRACOA GHOST TOWN Neighbouring Pisticci is the ghost town of Craco. After a series of natural disasters, abetted by engineering pratfalls, the main Town was abandoned in the early 1960’s, as recommended by federally appointed inspectors who foresaw the potential for a cataclysmic landslide. As expected, first a flood in…
Hello,
I’m Frank
I have been travelling Italy for over 50 years and own a boutique hotel in Basilicata. I hope you follow along for tips and advice on exploring the country I love so much.
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