Basilicata: Southern Italy's Rising Art and Travel Hotspot

Basilicata, the southern Italian region often overshadowed by Puglia and the Amalfi Coast, is gaining attention as a cultural and travel destination. Dua Lipa and Callum Turner honeymooned there, staying at Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda, a hotel founded by the Coppola family. The region's ancient city Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features Sassi cave districts and hosts the Festa della Bruna religious festival. Matera has served as a filming location for Pier Paolo Pasolini's 'The Gospel According to St. Matthew' and the James Bond film 'No Time to Die.' Palazzo Margherita, restored by Francis Ford Coppola and designer Jacques Grange, includes suites named after Coppola family members, such as the Sofia suite co-designed by Sofia Coppola. Nearby, the Temple of Hera (sixth century BC) offers historical significance. The coastal town Maratea features Hotel Santavenere, once host to Sophia Loren and Anita Ekberg, recently refreshed by the family behind Borgo Egnazia. The hotel includes a private beach club, spa, and access to the grotta azzurra caves. Local traditions include religious festivals with fireworks and boat processions. The region offers a mix of ancient history, cinematic landscapes, and luxury hospitality, positioning it as an alternative to overcrowded Italian hotspots.