Val d'Agri – Green heart of Basilicata among villages, mountains and ancient silences.
The Val d'Agri extends between the mountains of the western Lucanian Apennines, following the course of the Agri river and embracing a variety of landscapes: woods, plateaus, historic villages and cultivated valleys. It is one of the richest areas in biodiversity and culture in Basilicata, with a strong identity linked to the land, spirituality and peasant traditions. Today, the valley is also a laboratory of slow, sustainable and authentic tourism. ⛰️ Nature between mountains and reserves:
Val d'Agri is home to part of the Lucano Val d'Agri - Lagonegrese Apennines National Park, a vast protected area where wolves, deer, golden eagles live, and beech, oak and wild orchids grow. Hiking routes lead to peaks, springs and areas of extraordinary natural value.
👉 Tip: Take the path that leads to Monte Volturino: the view of the valleys is incomparable, especially at sunrise. 🏘️ Villages and local culture:
The valley is dotted with authentic villages such as Viggiano, Marsicovetere, Spinoso, Grumento Nova and Montemurro, each with its own dialect, its patron saint festivals, its flavors. Viggiano is the capital of Lucanian folk music, famous for its tradition of wandering harpists and for the cult of the Black Madonna.
👉 Tip: Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Sacred Mount in Viggiano and attend the September celebrations: a mystical and community experience. 🏛️ Archaeology and historical memory:
In the territory of Grumento Nova is the ancient Roman city of Grumentum, with a theater, baths and an amphitheater still visible. An archaeological site surrounded by greenery, which tells the story of the Roman presence in Lucania.
👉 Tip: Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Alta Val d'Agri before exploring the area to understand the historical context. 🚶 Experiences between nature, faith and art:
Val d'Agri is also spirituality: along its paths there are hermitages, convents and ancient pilgrimage routes. In Montemurro, the birthplace of the poet Leonardo Sinisgalli, culture can be breathed among murals, libraries and contemporary art exhibitions.
👉 Tip: Take part in an artistic or literary workshop organized by the Sinisgalli Foundation to experience the village in a creative way. 🍽️ Lucanian cuisine and typical products:
The gastronomy of Val d'Agri is rich and sincere: sheep's milk cheeses, porcini mushrooms, artisanal cured meats, cruschi peppers, lagane with beans. Aglianico wine and extra virgin olive oil complete the picture of flavors.
👉 Tip: Stop at a farmhouse for a zero-km tasting among rural landscapes and laden tables. 🛌 Sleeping in the valley:
Farmhouses, B&Bs and scattered hotels offer simple and warm hospitality. Some facilities also offer outdoor activities, such as hiking, cooking classes, yoga in the woods.
👉 Tip: Stay in a stone house in the villages of the valley for an immersive experience in Lucanian life.
Val d'Agri is a world apart: a land of passage that knows how to stop your heart. A journey through unspoiled nature, silent villages and ancient memories to be listened to slowly.