Bernalda and surroundings
In addition to the sea, culture and archeology, in this fascinating area you can also indulge in various sports activities. From golf to sailing, from canoeing to windsurfing, without forgetting diving in the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
What can you see in Bernalda? Let’s start with a walk through the historic center
The ancient village of Bernalda extends from the Aragonese castle, home to the art gallery, up to the Mother Church and Piazza San Bernardino. For a visit, you cannot fail to start from the historic center: getting lost in the narrow and tiled alleys of Bernalda can in fact turn into an almost mystical experience. Passing in front of the doors of the low houses, which are very reminiscent of the Apulian historical centers of the Valle d’Itria, which is not far away, one can perceive the aromas of the typical dishes of the place and listen to the conversations, often heated, of the inhabitants of the village. Walking you reach the panoramic point located between the Castle and the Church of San Bernardino. The panorama, overlooking the Basento valley, is one that leaves you breathless.
Visit the Bernalda Castle
Another obligatory stop among the things to see in Bernalda, certainly its castle. Built in 1470 at the behest of Bernardino de Bernaudo, secretary of King Alfonso II of Naples, it has a rectangular shape with three corner towers (the missing one was destroyed following the expansion wanted by the Perez Navarrete). In 1999 the Castle was purchased by the Municipality of Bernalda, but unfortunately it is not always open to the public. During the year, various events are organized by the administration which include guided tours, also in collaboration with the FAI.
Visit the Mother Church of San Bernardino
Dedicated to the patron saint of Bernalda, San Bernardino da Siena, the church is located in the homonymous square. The architectural lines are simple, but the impact is truly suggestive. The church was built in 1530 by Bernardino de Bernaudo; inside there is a fresco of San Bernardino with two saints, which probably dates back to the date of construction; the ancient Organ; a carved and gilded wooden pulpit; the stoup from the 1600s and the baptismal font.
Breathe in the air of cinema at Palazzo Margherita
Bernalda has a very strong bond with one of the most important protagonists of 20th century cinema: Francis Ford Coppola. His grandfather Agostino, in fact, was born in Bernalda. To consolidate the relationship with his roots, the director of “the Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” bought Palazzo Margherita, a historic residence adjacent to Piazza Plebiscito, which he transformed into a 5-star resort. In addition to being the residence of the Coppola family when they return to Basilicata, the resort hosts great Hollywood personalities and tourists who want to stay in this magnificent historic home. Opposite the Palazzo there is also the CineCittà Bar, a traditional bistro covered with posters and playbills of old films, where you can drink a good coffee or taste some Lucanian specialities.
Visit the Metaponto nature reserve
For those who prefer unspoilt nature to the city, the Metaponto Nature Reserve is located a few kilometers from Bernalda, which extends for about 240 hectares along the Ionian coast of Basilicata between the mouths of the Bradano and Basento rivers. The reserve is dominated by lush Mediterranean scrub and a dense coastal pine forest of Aleppo pine, but also includes wetlands that extend as far as the coast. Two routes are also marked for excursions on foot or by bicycle: the first, shorter, which allows you to get closer to the environment of the place and its history; the second, which winds through the pine forest and reaches the sea, allows those who travel along it to get to know the various species present in the area. Both are completely flat and passable even in wheelchairs.- Info on Riserva: https://rgpbio.it/riserva/metaponto/
- Visit the Metaponto Archaeological Park It is probably the most famous attraction in the entire area, an essential stop for all those who decide to stay in this part of the Region. The archaeological area preserves the traces that marked the civil and religious life of Metaponto, from its foundation to the Roman conquest of the 3rd century BC. There are many buildings that have been identified by scholars on the basis of the remains present in the area: the antiquarium, the theatre, the city agora, the Roman castro, the necropolis. Also 4 temples: Apollo Licio, Demeter, Aphrodite and the Tavole Palatine, the temple dedicated to Hera which marked the boundaries of the ancient city. The park can be explored on foot or by bicycle and has an area equipped for refreshments. The references on the website of the Ministry of Cultur: https://www.beniculturali.it/luogo/parco-archeologico-dellarea-urbana-e-della-necropoli-di-crucinia-di-metaponto
Spend a different day at the Acquazzurra Park in Metaponto
If during your trip to Basilicata you have had your fill of sea, history and nature and maybe you want to dedicate a day to pure fun, it is not necessary to go far from Bernalda.
In fact, just outside Metaponto is Acquazzurra, a water park that covers an area of 80,000 square meters with dozens of attractions, more than 1,300 linear meters of slides that reach a height of 30 meters, the Fun Area and the Beach Area.
Here too there is no shortage of references to Magna Graecia, with a themed area of 20,000 m2, 1,500 umbrellas and 3,000 sunbeds ranging from the Kingdom of Zeus to the Kingdom of Apollo.
For info and costs: https://www.acquazzurrapark.net/
As you can read, there are many things to do and see in Bernalda and its surroundings, ranging from art to cuisine and architecture. What are you waiting for? come and spend a weekend in this magical Lucan village.
Bernalda’s story told by food
Gastronomy is known to be one of the key factors that attract foreign tourists to Italy. What are Bernalda’s typical products?
The typical first course is pasta with green beans and cacioricotta, dating back to the mid-twentieth century, probably, as in many cases, created to try to survive the difficulties left by the post-war period. It is prepared with black-eyed green beans to which tomato puree and cacioricotta are added.
A sagra in the hamlet of Metaponto is also dedicated to pasta with green beans and cacioricotta.
For those with a sweet tooth, Bernalda offers scorzette, which are prepared with egg white, hazelnuts and melted dark chocolate. It was created by the pastry chef Vincenzo Spinelli in the 1970s. The name derives from “scorz d’ l’arvl” (which in the local dialect means “bark of the tree”).
