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Via Nuova Camarda, 75012 Bernalda, Italy (June 2019)
Bernalda
Bernalda is a charming town in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, steeped in history and nestled in the rolling hills of the province of Matera. Known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and authentic southern Italian atmosphere, Bernalda offers visitors a glimpse into a quieter, more traditional side of Italy, far from the bustling tourist centres. It is often celebrated for its proximity to Matera, the famous UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient cave dwellings, as well as the pristine Ionian coast, making it an ideal base for exploring the treasures of the region.Founded in the late Middle Ages, Bernalda’s history is intertwined with the rise and fall of various southern Italian powers, including the Normans and the Aragonese. Its most prominent historical feature is the Aragonese Castle, which overlooks the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This fortress, built in the 15th century, is a reminder of the town’s strategic importance in defending the region from invaders. Bernalda has also gained a bit of modern fame due to its connection to the famous filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, whose family hails from the town. Coppola’s strong ties to his ancestral roots are evident in his restoration of Palazzo Margherita, a historic palazzo that he transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel. This addition has brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to Bernalda while retaining its authentic charm, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in both film history and local culture.
The town itself is characterized by its narrow, winding streets, traditional houses with terracotta roofs, and the Piazza Plebiscito, a lively square that acts as the social heart of the community. The local cuisine, like much of southern Italy, is rustic and flavourful, featuring fresh ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, and locally made pasta. Dishes like “strascinati” and “cavatelli” are staples in the local diet, often served with simple but delicious sauces. In addition to its historical and cultural offerings, Bernalda serves as a gateway to the Ionian Sea, with beautiful beaches just a short drive away. The nearby Metaponto, once a powerful Greek colony, adds another layer of historical interest with its well-preserved archaeological sites, including ancient temples and theatres. This blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes Bernalda a unique destination in Italy.
Corso Umberto I in Bernalda is more than just a street, it’s the vibrant “salotto” (parlour) of the town. Stretching approximately 1.5 km through Bernalda’s historic centre, this wide, tree‑lined boulevard connects Piazza Cavour to Largo San Donato, cutting a graceful axis through the town’s heart and symbolising its urban and social identity. At every turn, Corso Umberto I displays elegant 19th and early 20th-century palaces, built by Bernalda’s notable families—standing proudly along both sides, giving the street an air of refined provincial sophistication that is unmatched in Basilicata.
For more information about the
Corso Umberto I, click the image.
Located in Bernalda’s historic core, the Chiesa Madre di San Bernardino da Siena stands as the spiritual and architectural centrepiece of this Lucanian town. Built between 1510 and 1532 by decree of Bernardino de Bernaudo, founder and feudal lord of Bernalda, the church was dedicated to its patron saint, San Bernardino da Siena, replacing the older devotion to San Donato, and symbolizing the town’s rebirth as “Bernauda” under its new protector. Originally conceived as a modest single-nave Romanesque structure with a simple gable façade and a low, crenellated bell tower, the church reflected the early population and spiritual needs of the nascent settlement. As Bernalda expanded during the 16th and 17th centuries, the building was gradually enlarged. A right-side nave was created from the former sacristy, while a left nave was added by the late 1700s, giving the church its current three-nave configuration, though at the expense of original architectural harmony.
For more information about the
Chiesa Madre di San Bernardino da Siena, click the image.
Photo Gallery of Walk in Bernalda – Via Nuova Camarda to Via Giorgio la Pira
Approximately 3.29 km – 2.04 miles
The walk starts in Via Nuova Camarda – Via Settembrini – Corso Umberto I – Piazza Plebiscito – Via Guglielmo Marconi – Corso Umberto I – Via Palladio – Via Pitagora – Corso Italia – Via Ludovico Antonio Muratori – Corso Italia – Piazza S. Bernardino – Via Filangieri – Corso Umberto I – Via Giorgio la Pira
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