Basilicata, the heart of the Terre Immerse project, has always been a cultural bridge between the Mediterranean and Europe. This land tells stories of contaminations, exchanges, and influences that have shaped it over centuries—from the Pythagorean school in Metaponto to the Rabatane of Tursi and Pietrapertosa, symbols of the encounter between diverse cultures. Matera, with its Sassi carved into calcarenite and its layered history, embodies this tradition of dialogue, placing itself at the center of a broader narrative that embraces the entire region.

Metaponto is one of the most emblematic places reflecting this Mediterranean connection. Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, it became a cultural crossroads and a hub for the dissemination of philosophical and scientific thought, thanks to the Pythagorean school, which found fertile ground for its teachings here. The remains of the Temple of Hera and the Tavole Palatine remind us that Basilicata was an integral part of the great Mediterranean world of antiquity.

The Rabatane, such as those in Tursi and Pietrapertosa, tell another chapter of this history. These settlements, born from the encounter with Arab culture, testify to a period of architectural and linguistic influences that left an indelible mark on the landscape and cultural identity of the region. Even today, toponymy and oral traditions recall the deep connection between Basilicata and the Arab world.

Basilicata’s gastronomy also reflects this layered cultural heritage. Many of its traditional dishes bear traces of Mediterranean influences. Ingredients such as durum wheat, spices, olive oil, and legumes tell of a culinary dialogue across the sea. Dishes like "cialledda", a rustic bread soup with vegetables, reflect the simplicity of Arab cuisine, while almond and honey-based sweets echo a shared culinary legacy with the southern Mediterranean. Similarly, baccalà alla lucana and lagane e ceci, a traditional pasta and chickpea dish, embody centuries-old rural traditions deeply marked by Arab influences, demonstrating a profound respect for the land and its generosity.

The transhumance tradition, which has shaped Basilicata’s landscapes and way of life, is another ancient practice that links the region to the Mediterranean. This seasonal migration of shepherds and flocks, recognized as UNESCO intangible heritage, symbolizes a deep bond with the land and the ability to adapt to change—values that Terre Immerse seeks to revive and celebrate.

Equally important is Basilicata’s intangible cultural heritage, reflected in local celebrations such as the Festa della Madonna della Bruna in Matera, which blends Christian symbolism with ancient fertility and renewal rites. Likewise, the processions of votive carts represent an expression of devotion and community spirit, mirroring traditions found across the Mediterranean.

With its rich history, traditions, and deep-rooted connections to the Mediterranean, Basilicata provides the ideal setting for Terre Immerse—a project that does not only look to the past but also to the future. Recognizing these profound cultural connections means seeing culture not merely as a heritage to be preserved, but as a driving force for dialogue, understanding, and innovation.

Follow our journey with Terre Immerse and discover how Basilicata tells the story of the Mediterranean—a land of encounters, cultural contaminations, and histories that continue to inspire.


Photo credits by Luca Paolucci