Noèpoli and Basilicata

Noèpoli

Noèpoli is an Enotrio-Lucanian village of 1,200 inhabitants, founded in the VIII-VII century b.C. and located on a hilltop 626m above sea level. It is situated within the confines of Pollino, at 20,000 square km. the largest National Park in Europe. 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, Noèpoli's village centre is a dramatic maze of stone buildings and winding streets perched on a hilltop, surrounded by the quasi-lunar landscapes of the Sarmento valley. But the village offers a lot more than its picture perfect looks: here you will find history, art, folklore and an outstanding food culture.

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 months, when many religious festivals are celebrated thorughout the village with processions, bands, open air entertainment and food fairs.

Noèpoli is in fact one of the last few villages in Italy where it is still possible to witness the traditional ceremony of the Gregne during the festival of the Madonna of Constantinople (4/5/6 August). These handmade votive altars, that can reach 1m20 in height and several tens of kilos in weight, are carried by pilgrims on their heads as a votive gesture, following the religious procession around the village center. The procession culminates outside the Church, where the traditional Southern Italian dance Tarantella is performed. We would strongly advise our foreign guests to visit us during these summer festivities as they present a rare opportunity to view first hand one of the oldest - and disappearing - folkloric traditions of Southern Italy.

...And, just a short hop away, some more of the sights that await your discovery:

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matera ‘Sassi’: these dramatic caves were ancient prehistoric dwellings and are considered to be one of the first human settlements on the Italian peninsula;

The many nature trails within the beautiful National Park of Pollino, habitat of the endangered Loricato (Palebark) pine tree species;

Swim and sunbathe on the beautiful beaches of Policoro, Nova Siri, Metaponto, Rocca Imperiale and the 2007 Blue Flag winner Maratea;

Carlo Levi described the local area in detail in the Italian literature classic 'Christ Stopped at Eboli'. Follow in his footsteps and visit the Carlo Levi memorial and museum in Aliano.

Arbëreshë 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 Albanian, Greek and Lucanian dialect is still widely spoken and traditional costumes still worn on special occasions, such as weddings and religious festivities;

The Magna Graecia settlements on the Jonian coast, documented by the Temples and archeological sites of Heraclea and the numerous ancient history museums;

You will be able to visits some of the many local farms and witness the production of cheese, wine, extra-virgin olive oil and other traditional Basilicata products.

SPORTS AND LEISURE

Whether hiking on mount Pollino or relaxing on the Palazzo's terrace with a glass of wine, you will find yourself spoilt for choice for ways to spend any well-deserved breaks from your creative work. Here are just some examples: