Maratea

Maratea - Maratea is a town in the province of Potenza, the only center of Basilicata overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The origin of the name of Maratea has different interpretations, many think it derives from màrathos that is 'wild fennel' since the territory is rich in wild fennel that grows free and spontaneous; another widespread thesis on the origin of the name is that it derives from the Latin màris and from the Greek théa that is the spectacle of the sea.

In the past the city was a supply outpost, but in the Middle Ages it turned into an important village thanks to fishing. Local products come from simple flavors and genuine ingredients, the specialties are: mozzarella and caciocavalli. Not to be forgotten is the role of the agriculture of beans, apples and figs which are sold in the agricultural markets of the city. Thanks to the sea, men of all ages have been able to initiate the first trade; in fact, fishing has always been very fundamental for the country. Thanks to the wonderful fish the city can cook tasty recipes such as soups and anchovies cooked in different ways. The oldest monument is the castle of which only a few ruins remain today; the elements found are not very distinguishable from each other since the castle was besieged and destroyed in 1806. Near the castle on the top of Mount San Biagio is the Statue of the Redeemer which with its 22 meters high is the tallest statue in the Italian territory ; the statue is the work of the Florentine sculptor Stefano Rivetti and is in Carrara marble. The marvelous coasts of Maratea have always enchanted various artists, in particular the artist Giovanni a citizen of the place who creates wonderful works thanks to the use of stones found along the coast. His works mostly represent female faces but they are certainly a purchase to make.