Many of the Italians who migrated to America came from the southernmost regions of Italy. This area of Italy for them represents the real Italy which includes the regions of Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, and Sicily. These regions are composed of the ancestors from many different origins - the Greeks, Normans, Romans, Swabians, Argonese, and Bourbon settled in these regions for centuries. Different traces of history can still be found in Naples, Sorrento, and Pompeii.
If you travel to southern Italy, a great place to start is the little known region of Cilento and Maratea. Just about a hundred kilometers south of Naples, Cilento provides a wonderful array of thrills in one of Europe’s most beautiful countryside locations. Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia make the history in this region worthy of a UNESCO World Heritage award. While it is the second largest national park in Italy it makes for amazing hiking and exploring for those adventurous of heart. The place also offers delicious regional cuisine, splendid panoramic views, the sea, sandy beaches, and many diverse adventure activities.
Cilento is located in the province of Salerno in Campania Southern Italy. The coast of this place is about a hundred kilometers long of quite rocky bays and sandy beaches. Mountains of two thousand meter heights border the place and complete the picture with evergreen olive trees and cobalt blue sea. Any trip to southern Italy should definitely have Cilento on the "Must Visit" list.
Traveling to Southern Italy will not be complete without visiting Puglia. This region forms the southeastern tip of the Italian peninsula with a long coastline facing the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Bari, one of the provinces of Puglia, contains the 19th century old town area. With its narrow winding and cobbled streets, Old Town can keep you entertained for several days. Some interesting places to see are the Piazza Mercantile, Via Venezia, Baroque S. Teresa dei Maschi, the small Byzantine church of S. Gregorio, and the medieval churches of S. Maria del Buon Consiglio and Vallisa.
Sicily should also be considered a "Must Visit" during your travel to southern Italy. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Agrigento, one of the provinces of Sicily, overlooks the southern coast and was founded by Greek colonists around 582. This place is world famous for its so-called “Valley of the Temples”, the oldest temple being that of the Temple of Hercules that dates back to 6th century B.C. One of the best preserved Doric temples is the Temple of Concord, then the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Juno, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Many interesting sights are also offered in the historical center of the city.
Wherever you plan to visit on your next trip to Southern Italy, you are sure to have an amazing journey filled with historic sites, friendly people with open arms, relaxing days with an amazing climate and food that can't be matched anywhere else! Be sure to check our blog for more articles & detailed accounts from our 2023 trip to Apulian Region of Southern Italy.
Comments