Policoro
Policoro: let's discover together the municipality of Matera province
Policoro is a municipality in the province of Matera in Basilicata, located on the fertile plain of Metaponto, just three kilometers from the Ionian Sea. With a population of 17,823 inhabitants, it is the second largest center in the province of Matera and the third largest in the region. In this article, we will discover together the physical geography, climate, and history of Policoro.
Physical geography
Territory
The city of Policoro is located in the southeastern part of the province of Matera, bordering to the north with the municipality of Scanzano Jonico, to the east with the Ionian Sea, to the south with Rotondella, and to the west with the territories of Tursi. Its privileged positioning offers the possibility to enjoy a territory rich in natural and cultural landscapes, including the spectacular beaches of the Ionian Sea and the ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea.
Climate
The climate of Policoro is Mediterranean. According to the average data of the three decades from 1961 to 1990, the average temperature of the coldest month, January, stands at +7.8°C, while that of the hottest month, August, is +25.4°C.
History
The name of Policoro derives from ancient Greek ''Polychoron'' and is closely linked to the history of the ancient city of Heraclea. This was an important center of Magna Graecia that arose in the 6th century BC, and where in 280 BC the Romans fought Pyrrhus. It was part of the Siritide region, near Siris (Lucania).
From the Middle Ages, a small urban center developed near the Baronial Castle, and from 1300 to 1600, the fief of Policoro became property of the Sanseverino family, with passages among various descendants. In the 1600s, a prince of that family donated the fief to the Jesuits, who held it for a long time, transforming the castle into a monastery. In 1772, the Jesuits were expelled from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies by King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon and the fief of Policoro was sold at auction and purchased by the noblewoman Maria Grimaldi, Princess of Gerace.
In May 1806, King Joseph Bonaparte stayed at the castle during his trip from Reggio Calabria to Naples. In 1959, Policoro ceased to be a hamlet of Montalbano Jonico and became an autonomous municipality.
Symbols
The symbol of Policoro is a coat of arms with a particular blazon and represents the historical elements of the city.
Honors
Policoro has been awarded the Blue Flag for its beaches, an important recognition for the quality of its beaches and sea.
Conclusions
Policoro is a municipality rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its territory to its climate, everything invites you to discover and know this city better. If you are looking for a place to spend a vacation in relaxation, culture, and nature, Policoro is the right choice.
