Tricarico
Welcome to the Province of Matera: History, Geography, and Municipalities
Hello everyone! Today, I will take you to discover the splendid Province of Matera, a province of the Basilicata region in southern Italy. The province of Matera was established in 1927 and is inhabited by about 191,115 people. The province faces east on the Gulf of Taranto, borders Puglia to the north (the metropolitan city of Bari and the province of Taranto), Potenza province to the west, and Calabria to the south (province of Cosenza).
Physical Geography
The province of Matera is divided geographically into two types: flatland (Metapontino) and hilly (Collina Materana). The flatland area faces the Lucanian Ionian coast and has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry, hot summers. The rainfall is very low (around 500 mm per year). The hilly area, on the other hand, has a colder winter climate and rainfall increases as altitude rises. Often in winter, from 400 meters upwards, there are heavy snowfalls.
Overall, the province of Matera boasts three of Italy's regional natural reserves (the ''San Giuliano Regional Reserve,'' the ''Bosco Pantano di Policoro Natural Oriented Reserve,'' an oasis of WWF Italy, and the ''Special Natural Reserve of the Calanchi di Montalbano Jonico''), the ''Gallipoli Cognato - Piccole Dolomiti Lucane Natural Park,'' the archaeological nature historical park of the rocky churches of the Materano, also known as the ''Murgia Materana Park,'' and finally a small portion of the ''Pollino National Park.''
History
The history of the province of Matera is ancient and fascinating. Here, in fact, are the famous Sassi di Matera, an ancient neighborhood carved into the rock that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Matera has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and was one of the first cities in Italy to have a stable settlement in the 6th century BC. During the medieval period, Matera was one of the main cultural centers in Italy and was influenced by various cultures, including Norman, Byzantine, and Arab.
Municipalities
The province of Matera comprises 31 municipalities: Accettura, Aliano, Bernalda, Calciano, Cirigliano, Colobraro, Craco, Ferrandina, Garaguso, Gorgoglione, Grassano, Grottole, Irsina, Matera, Miglionico, Montalbano Jonico, Montescaglioso, Nova Siri, Oliveto Lucano, Pisticci, Policoro, Pomarico, Rotondella, Salandra, San Giorgio Lucano, San Mauro Forte, Scanzano Jonico, Stigliano, Tricarico, Tursi, Valsinni.
Transportation and Communication
The province of Matera is well connected to the Italian road network thanks to the presence of numerous state roads such as the Via Appia, Jonica, and Basentana. Moreover, there are many other roads that run through the province and connect it to the surrounding regions.
In the Province of Matera, there are two companies that manage the railway network: RFI and Ferrovie Appulo Lucane. The most important railway station is in Matera, but there are also numerous other stations in surrounding cities.
In summary, the Province of Matera is a unique and suggestive place that combines history, culture, nature, and scenic beauty. If you are looking for an authentic and genuine place to spend your holidays, the Province of Matera is definitely the right place for you!
