Sport and nature

The city is world famous for its Sassi, Matera, a World Heritage since 1993 along with the Park of the Rupestrian Churches.

After a long, pleasant descent, which runs along the Gravina river and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, you reach the vicinity of Montescaglioso.

During the journey, with the aid of an expert guide, it is possible to stop at the Parco dei Monaci and the new Visitor Center of the Murgia di Pianelle Park and from there follow some paths to explore churches, ravines and evidence of ancient presences (Madonna della Loe, Murgia Sant’Andrea).

At 13 km from the start, take the “Messapica” road in the direction of Miglionico.

Variation: continue straight ahead to Montescaglioso and visit the ancient Benedictine Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo (1079), the most notable of the four monastic complexes that have earned Montescaglioso the nickname of “City of Monasteries”.

To return to the proposed route, leave Montescaglioso and follow signs for Metaponto until, after a steep descent, you reach a junction at the border with the province of Taranto.

There is a steep descent and then a road that winds gently through the hills until it reaches the Jonica state road. A few kilometres along the slip road and you find yourself in the Magna Graecia, in the shadow of the Palatine Tables, the remains of a Greek temple dedicated to Hera. The journey through history continues with a visit to the Archaeological Museum, the custodian of a past in which Metapontum was the ‘capital’ of Magna Graecia. After this wonderful ride, caressed by the sea breeze, you can take a barefoot walk on the sandy beaches of the Ionian coast.