The enchanting region of Basilicata, also called by its ancient name of Lucania, is a place where time seems to have stood still: the area is widely considered one of the last bastions of tradition in Italy. From its location right in the heart of the South, Palazzo Rinaldi Artists’ Residence represents the ideal starting point to experience the bel paese away off the beaten track.
Where we are: the hilltop village of Noepoli Palazzo Rinaldi Artists’ Residence is located in the historical heart of the hilltop village of Noepoli- right at the very top! Noepoli is an Enotro-Lucanian village of 1,200 inhabitants founded in the VIII-VII centuries b.C. The village is ideally situated within the confines of Italy’s largest National Park, the Parco Nazionale del Pollino, with its 20,000 sqm of protected parkland. This privileged position has ensured through the years the preservation of the local natural environment. The area enjoys uncommonly clean, crisp air, unspoilt countryside stretching as far as the eye can see, silence, tranquility and wholesome food produce.

Visually Noepoli’s village centre is a dramatic maze of stone buildings and winding cobbled paths, perched on a hilltop at 626m above sea level.  But the village offers a lot more than its picture perfect looks: here you will find history, art, folklore and an outstanding food & wine culture. And whether hiking in the National Park or relaxing on the Palazzo Rinaldi terrace watching the sunset, you will find plenty of ways to spend any well-deserved breaks from your creative work.  The village is also home to a vibrant local community proudly holding onto its most ancient traditions. These come to life particularly during the summer, when many religious festivals are celebrated with processions, folk music, dancing and food fairs.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera: known as the sassi, the town entirely built out of white tufo rock. These dramatic caves were prehistoric dwellings and are considered one of the first human settlements on the Italian peninsula. Matera is also home to Italy’s leading contemporary sculpture museum, the MUSMA. Painter and Writer Carlo Levi described the local area in detail in the Italian literature classic ‘Christ Stopped at Eboli’. Follow in his footsteps and visit Carlo Levi memorial and museum in Aliano. Arbereshe Villages: traditional ethnic Albanian settlements originally founded in the 15th and 16th centuries. Ancient traditions are still alive in these small centres, where a unique mixture of Greek, Albanian and Lucanian dialect is still widely spoken and traditional costumes worn on Sunday mass. The archaeological site and museum of Heraclea, explore the early Magna Graecia settlements in Metaponto. Swim and bathe in the beautiful beaches of Policoro, Nova Siri, Metaponto, Rocca Imperiale and Blue-Flag winner Maratea.

The surrounding area offers many beautiful and inspiring locations to explore.  Some of the sights that await your discovery are:

If planning to explore the area outside Noepoli during your Residency we strongly recommend renting a car at your airport of arrival, as public transport within the Basilicata region is limited.

With direct bus connections to Rome, Naples and Salerno, our Residents usually enjoy taking in other parts of Italy before and after their Residency at Palazzo Rinaldi. Visit the eternal city and its countless museums and sights or, if landing in Naples, explore the city’s stunning art collection ranging from the contemporary at the MADRE museum and the classical at the National Archaeological Museum. If you have more days available why not add in Pompeii or the islands of Capri and Ischia, both within easy reach from Naples train and ferry port respectively. Finally the direct bus connection to/from Salerno can be your gateway for the stunning Amalfi coast and the Greek temples of Paestum.

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location

‘earth as it was intended to be...’

The Basilicata region introduced by its most famous son, Academy Award-winning director Francis Ford Coppola. 


Courtesy Basilicata tourist board