Bernalda and Metaponto, between the Ionian coast and Magna Grecia

In the province of Matera there is one of the most fascinating towns in Italy: Bernalda. In fact, it is of interest both taking into consideration the village alone, and also considering the surrounding area. The village has a historic center with a medieval flavor. The city profile is characterized by the mighty lines of the castle, built by the Normans in the eleventh century and then later restored by the Aragonese. The building dominates and watches over the entire Metaponto area. Also in the oldest area we find numerous seventeenth-century and sixteenth-century churches, among which we can find the Mother Church. In fact, it is dedicated to San Bernardino da Siena, the patron saint of the city. The festival dedicated to this saint is one of the most beautiful in the town. Important mention for the hamlet of Bernalda, Metaponto. Some of the most beautiful stretches of sea of the Ionian coast belong to Metaponto, six kilometers of beaches perfect for bathing. Also in these areas we find one of the most iconic places in all of Magna Graecia: the archaeological site of Metaponto. The archaeological area consists of numerous ruins dating back to the sixth century BC. Among the points of greatest interest we find the numerous temples dedicated to Apollo Licio, Demeter, Hera and Aphrodite; also worth mentioning are the Tavole Palatine, a Doric-style Pericardian temple. This is perhaps one of the best known and most emblematic places in all of Magna Graecia. On site we also find other types of ruins, such as the remains of the ancient theater and the necropolis. A few kilometers from the site it is possible to deepen the visit at the beautiful National Archaeological Museum of Metaponto.