Palazzo Rinaldi Artists' Residence

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The Area

Noèpoli and Basilicata

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 to be one of the last bastions of tradition in Italy. From its location right in the heart of the South, Noèpoli represents the ideal starting point to experience the bel paese off the beaten tourist track, where local people still enjoy traditional customs and a slow pace of life.

"...earth as it was intended to be": watch Academy Award-winning director Francis Ford Coppola introduce the region of his roots in the short video, Basilicata Autentica, aided by stunning aerial images & an atmospheric soundtrack. Courtesy of the Basilicata Tourist Board.

The Village of Noèpoli
Palazzo Rinaldi is located in the hilltop village of Noèpoli, an Enotrio-Lucanian village of 1,200 inhabitants founded in the VIII-VII century b.C. Noèpoli is situated within the confines of the National Park of Pollino, at 20,000 square km. the largest in Italy. 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 at 626m above sea level, surrounded by the 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. Whether hiking in the Pollino or relaxing on the Palazzo Rinaldi 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:

Running
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Horse riding
Archery
Basketball
Soccer
Tennis
Swimming, sunbathing (sea 20 mins away)
Guided tours and nature walks in the National Park of Pollino
Regional Cookery demonstrations & Italian language classes on site

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.

...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 rare 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;

Writer 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 Sunday mass and special occasions;

The archeological site and museum of Heraclea, witness of the early Magna Graecia settlements in Metaponto

Residents Special: Visiting Campania
Interested in visiting Pompei, Paestum or the Amalfi coast before or after your Residency at Palazzo Rinaldi? We can now offer our Residents special rates for private self-catering accommodation in the stunning seaside town of Agropoli. Known as the 'pearl of the Cilento coast', Agropoli is ideally located on the national bus and train line only a short journey away to most sightseeing destinations. In the summer months Agropoli is also connected to the islands of Capri and Ischia by the Metrò del Mare (the Sea Metro), making it an ideal base, as well as an exquisite destination in its own right. Let us know when applying and we will send you all relevant information to help you plan your trip to Campania.