Here is a list of 10 villages in Basilicata that, for their historical and cultural heritage, can be considered Medici Humanistic Villages, thanks to the Renaissance and humanistic influences that reflect the cultural vitality of Italy in that period. Each village is accompanied by motivations, brief tourist information, and municipal contacts.

1. Acerenza (PZ)

  • Reason: Known as the “Cathedral City”, Acerenza is dominated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, an architectural masterpiece with Romanesque and Gothic influences.
  • Tourism: Visit the cathedral and admire the views from the hill on which the village stands.
  • Population: About 2,500 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0971 741300
  • Email: info@comune.acerenza.pz.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Acerenza
  • Wikipedia: Acerenza – Wikipedia

2. Irsina (MT)

  • Reason: The village is home to the statue of Sant’Eufemia, attributed to Mantegna, representing an important artistic legacy of the Renaissance.
  • Tourism: Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Monastery of San Francesco.
  • Population: About 5,000 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0835 627001
  • Email: info@comune.irsina.mt.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Irsina
  • Wikipedia: Irsina – Wikipedia

3. Castelmezzano (PZ)

  • Reason: Framed by the Lucanian Dolomites, Castelmezzano reflects medieval architecture and unique landscapes.
  • Tourism: Don’t miss the Flight of the Angel, a breathtaking panoramic experience.
  • Population: About 800 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0971 986004
  • Email: info@comune.castelmezzano.pz.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Castelmezzano
  • Wikipedia: Castelmezzano – Wikipedia

4. Venosa (PZ)

  • Reason: Birthplace of Horace, Venosa has a rich Roman and Renaissance heritage.
  • Tourism: Explore the Abbey of the Holy Trinity and the Archaeological Park.
  • Population: About 11,000
  • Telephone: (+39) 0972 33621
  • Email: info@comune.venosa.pz.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Venosa
  • Wikipedia: Venosa – Wikipedia

5. Pietrapertosa (PZ)

  • Reason: Village in the Lucanian Dolomites with Arab and medieval influences, harmoniously integrated into the mountain landscape.
  • Tourism: Admire the Norman-Swabian castle and the Flight of the Angel route.
  • Population: About 1,100 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0971 983189
  • Email: comune@comune.pietrapertosa.pz.it
  • Official website: Comune di Pietrapertosa
  • Wikipedia: Pietrapertosa – Wikipedia

6. Tursi (MT)

  • Reason: Known for the Rabatana, a neighborhood of Arab origin, the village preserves medieval and Renaissance evidence.
  • Tourism: Discover the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Anglona.
  • Population: About 5,000 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0835 532211
  • Email: info@comune.tursi.mt.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Tursi
  • Wikipedia: Tursi – Wikipedia

7. Miglionico (MT)

  • Reason: Famous for the Malconsiglio Castle, site of important historical and cultural events of the Renaissance.
  • Tourism: Visit the castle and admire the views from the village.
  • Population: About 2,500 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0835 548046
  • Email: info@comune.miglionico.mt.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Miglionico
  • Wikipedia: Miglionico – Wikipedia

8. Melfi (PZ)

  • Reason: Norman and Aragonese power center, with a castle that houses an important archaeological museum.
  • Tourism: Explore the castle and the historic center.
  • Population: About 17,000 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0972 251111
  • Email: info@comune.melfi.pz.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Melfi
  • Wikipedia: Melfi – Wikipedia

9. Guardia Perticara (PZ)

  • Reason: Recognized as an “Authentic Village of Italy”, it has preserved its medieval structure and scenic beauty.
  • Tourism: Stroll through the village to admire the local stone architecture.
  • Population: About 600 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0971 993002
  • Email: info@comune.guardiaperticara.pz.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Guardia Perticara
  • Wikipedia: Guardia Perticara – Wikipedia

10. Rionero in Vulture (PZ)

  • Reason: Village near Mount Vulture, renowned for its wine production and medieval history.
  • Tourism: Visit the wine cellars and the Brigandage Museum.
  • Population: About 13,000 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0972 729511
  • Email: info@comune.rioneroinvulture.pz.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Rionero in Vulture
  • Wikipedia: Rionero in Vulture – Wikipedia

These villages represent a fusion of historical tradition and Renaissance influences, making them unique places to visit for their cultural and landscape relevance.