Located in southern Italy, Basilicata (also known as Lucania) shares borders with the Campania, Puglia and Calabria Regions. It is also bordered by the Gulf of Taranto (Ionian Sea) and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is one of the smallest regions in Italy and is not necessarily a region that is visited by the usual tourist. This is the Italy you can discover — places unimagineable — places unknown…..I like it for that reason alone! The ancient sights (Greek) in this region are worth the trip….The main cities of the region are Potenza and Matera. Most of the region is mountainous or hilly….unforgiving too, especially when you consider that the region is based on agriculture (for the most part) and the farming and irrigation systems are antiquated. But, Basilicata forges on….it is a poor region, yet the very fact that it is a poor region has allowed it to stay unspoiled (less tourists, less growth)…..real, rural — memorable. Considering those facts, you’ll find some of the best food in Italy in Basilicata (of course all the food in Italy is terrific) — all made the old-fashioned way. The foods of the area are often heavily spiced — as in the salami that is made here (so tasty - so good). Pecorino and Soppressato cheeses from this area are also delicious. You’ll find fusilli pasta predominant on menus and the sauces in Basilicata are rich and fragrant. One of the best wines in the area is the Aglianico del Vulture, but do try the Amabile, Aleatico and Vecchio wines too.