Bernalda
Welcome to Bernalda, between land and sea
If you are looking for a charming place to enjoy the natural beauties of Basilicata, Bernalda is the perfect choice. This wonderful municipality is located in the southern part of the province of Matera, on the border with the north-western part of the province of Taranto. It includes a vast territory that extends between the Bradano and Basento rivers, with a splendid coast of 6 km on the Ionian Sea.
Discover the physical geography of Bernalda
Bernalda is located on a plateau at 127 m above sea level in the final part of the Val Basento, with a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea and the hamlet of Metaponto. The historical center of the municipality is located on a steep plateau towards the sea, and it is possible to admire the extraordinary panorama of the coast and the sea from the top of this plateau.
The Mediterranean climate of Bernalda is influenced by the nearby presence of the Ionian Sea, which mitigates both the winter and summer climate. Snowfall in Bernalda is a rather rare event, but even though it does not accumulate much, it makes the landscape even more extraordinary, with temperatures below 0°C in case of starry nights.
History and curiosities of Bernalda
The city of Metaponto, located a short distance from Bernalda, was destroyed by the Romans; and a small part of the population moved to a hill near the current church of San Donato to create a cluster of houses called "Camarda". We could say that the history of Bernalda begins precisely from this moment, in 1099, when the village of Camarda was mentioned for the first time.
Sometimes legend merges with history, and the name Bernalda seems to be linked to the name of a secretary of King Alfonso II of Naples, Bernardino de Bernaudo, who decided to move the village of Camarda near the area of the Bernalda Castle. From here, the village assumed its final name of Bernalda in 1497.
What to visit in Bernalda
Bernalda is a place of great charm and beauty, which offers numerous tourist attractions. The Bernalda Castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions, located on top of a hill with a spectacular view of the Val Basento. Built in the 13th century, the castle has undergone numerous changes over time.
The Mother Church of San Bernardino da Siena is also a perfect place for all lovers of art and religious culture. The Church, built in 1715 on a previous church dating back to the 16th century, is one of the largest in Basilicata and preserves precious art treasures.
In addition, the historical center of Bernalda boasts numerous noble houses and ancient palaces of great historical and architectural value, such as Palazzo Margherita, built in the 18th century by the architect Giovan Battista Amendola. Today the palace houses a luxurious hotel, offering visitors a unique experience.
Gastronomy in Bernalda
The cuisine of Bernalda is a real treasure of the Lucanian culinary tradition. The chiancarelle of Bernalda, a homemade pasta made with durum wheat flour, water, and salt, is one of the strong dishes of local cuisine. If you are a fish lover, you must try pasta with sardines, one of the most beloved dishes of the Ionic cuisine. And if you are looking for a typical Lucanian dessert, do not miss the famous frutta martorana, almond paste sweets with various shapes and colors.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Bernalda is a hidden gem of Basilicata, a place of great charm and beauty that will leave you breathless. With its incredible location between land and sea, its millennial history, and its traditional cuisine, we invite you to explore and discover all that Bernalda has to offer. Come and visit Bernalda, we promise you an unforgettable experience.
