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Lying at the crossroads of southern Italy, Basilicata is one of Italy’s less-known regions. However, while it is often overlooked, it is home to some of Italy’s best hidden gems, especially its wines and unique local cuisine.
As is the case with most smaller regions throughout Italy, being lesser known can often be advantageous. Rich in history and having a coast on both the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian sea, Basilicata has been home to almost every major Mediterranean civilization. This wealth of historical presence has meant that this tiny Southern region, in the boot of Italy, can satisfy even the most discerning tourist looking for a trip through Italy’s past.
Potenza, the highest regional capital in Italy, is an encapsulation of the shifting history that has defined the region. Founded by Romans, the city has had every conceivable ancient superpower move through its territory. Sadly, following an earthquake in 1857 and heavy bombing during the second world war, much of the Potenza’s ancient vestiges lie in ruin. The San Michele Arcangelo church, dating back to the 11th century, provides one of the few remaining symbols of city’s past. The Church itself includes over 500 frescoes.
The Aglianico appellation, a grape variety that can trace its roots back to the first Greek settlers, has become a staple in quality wine production in Basilicata.
Boasting a strong agricultural tradition, seemingly apparent in every Italian region, Basilicata relies heavily on the strength of its produce to complement its local dishes.
The Matera bread, a symbol of the town of Matera, is seen by many as one of Italy’s most flavorful. Listed as an IGP product (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) or Protected Georgraphical Indication, it utilizes ancient varieties of wheat grown locally as well as yeast infused with fruits, a unique process to the area, to help give it its specific flavor. The shape and taste of the bread represent a culmination of centuries of ancient culinary traditions.
Visitors to the area would be remiss not to visit Matera. While known for its bread, the town is considered one of the oldest in the world and can trace its history to the Palaeolithic period. The Sassi district, which has now become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a look at the caves that until the mid 19th century where still inhabited.
Il Volo dell’Angelo, at Castelmezzano in the so-called Dolomiti lucane, a zipline flight between two mountains at speeds up to 120km/h provides a more pulse inducing outing, while still giving a great view of the surrounding scenery.
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When was the last time you had dinner in an Italian restaurant in Canada and you thought you were dining in Italy? That’s exactly how “Ospitalità Italiana Certified”restaurants want you to feel when you visit their fine dining establishments.
Ospitalità Italiana is an official certification from Unioncamere, Italy’s federation of local Chambers of Commerce and Industry, that tells you that the food you are enjoying is unquestionably Italian: products are authentic, ingredients genuine and recipes true to the thousand year history of Italian cuisine.
Canada is home to some leading Italian Chefs. Passionate and innovative, many have refined their skills and advanced their knowledge directly in Italy. In addition, Montréal boasts a fabulous cooking school ITHQ where young aspiring chefs learn Italian technic and Italian traditional recipes from the masters.
So the next time you make reservations for an Italian dinner in a Montreal restaurant, ask if they’ve received the Ospitalità Italiana seal of approval. You will enjoy the true Italian taste.