Via Nuova Camarda, 75012 Bernalda, Italy (June 2019)

Bernalda

Bernalda is a charming town in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, known for its warm atmosphere, historical character, and authentic southern Italian charm. Perched on a hill overlooking the fertile Metaponto plain and the Ionian Sea, Bernalda offers sweeping views of the countryside, olive groves, and vineyards that surround it. The town is part of the province of Matera and lies only a short distance from the ancient Greek ruins of Metaponto, an area rich in archaeological and cultural heritage. Though still lesser known than some of Italy’s major tourist destinations, Bernalda has begun to attract increasing attention for its unspoiled beauty, strong traditions, and genuine hospitality.

The historic centre of Bernalda is a delightful maze of narrow streets, stone houses, and small piazzas that capture the timeless charm of rural Italy. At the heart of the town stands Corso Umberto, the main street lined with cafés, local shops, and historic buildings that give life to the community. The Castello Aragonese, a medieval fortress dating back to the fifteenth century, dominates the skyline and serves as a reminder of the town’s long and varied past. Around it, churches such as the Mother Church of Saint Bernardino da Siena display fine examples of southern Italian architecture and artistry.

Bernalda is also well known internationally thanks to its connection with the American film director Francis Ford Coppola, whose ancestors came from the town. Coppola restored a beautiful seventeenth-century palace in the town centre, transforming it into Palazzo Margherita, an elegant boutique hotel that has helped bring new attention to Bernalda while maintaining its traditional character. This connection has sparked curiosity and tourism, yet the town has managed to preserve its authentic rhythm of life, far from the crowds of Italy’s more famous cities.

The surrounding landscape adds to Bernalda’s appeal. A short drive leads to the sandy beaches of the Ionian coast, while inland, gentle hills and agricultural fields reveal the heart of Basilicata’s rural culture. The local cuisine is another highlight, featuring simple yet flavourful dishes made from local produce, olive oil, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Festivals, music, and community events fill the calendar throughout the year, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the warmth and joy of southern Italian life. Bernalda remains a place where history, culture, and nature coexist in harmony, making it an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity, tranquillity, and the true essence of Italy’s south.

Worth a Visit

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