Montalbano Jonico between Calanchi and Culture

Montalbano Jonico combines a distinctive landscape with historic paths, sacred art and vibrant traditions. Those planning a trip can combine nature experiences, culture and regional history here – from the Calanchi to the town’s old alleyways.

Landscape between the Calanchi and Earth’s History

The Riserva Regionale dei Calanchi di Montalbano Jonico nature reserve was established on the basis of Regional Law 3/2011. The Tempa Petrolla geosite offers a particularly striking landscape impression: the isolated rocky spur rises from an environment shaped by clay. From the summit of Tempa Petrolla, a panorama extending in all 360 degrees opens up.

The old mule track “Appiett’ u mulin” also vividly illustrates the area’s geological development. Along the route, a lithological transition from clay through sandstone to conglomerates can be seen. This change indicates the transformation from a deep marine environment to a shallow coastal environment. For visitors who want not only to look at the landscape but also to better understand its formation, this connection provides a concise introduction to the region.

The extensive area of the Calanchi Lucani is recognised at European level as an Important Bird Area, or IBA for short. Various bird species use it for resting and breeding. The section of Montalbano Jonico has also been proposed as an international reference section for the stratotype of the boundary between the Lower and Middle Pleistocene. The landscape therefore appeals not only to nature enthusiasts, but also to travellers interested in geology and Earth’s history.

Historic Sites and Cultural Discoveries

The Parco Letterario Francesco Lomonaco is a virtual park that refers to a real place as well as to alleyways, streets, squares, people, notable figures, books, manuscripts, stories, events and memories. The historical and cultural tour begins at the Porta Pandosia or the Arco di San Pietro and leads via the Casa Lomonaco. This makes it possible to explore the town’s history through specific locations and literary references.

Part of the historic urban structure is the Porta dell’Orologio, also known as Porta Castello. It provides access to the Terravecchia district with its narrow alleyways, passageways and arches of Arab-Norman origin. In the church of San Rocco and its cloister, the surviving remains of an old Capuchin monastery can be seen; it was probably built in 1601. The church also contains an 18th-century oil painting of the Visitation by Caravesi and an 18th-century wooden sculpture of Saint Roch.

The Chiesa Madre S. Maria d’Episcopio is another important cultural point of reference. It was rebuilt in the first half of the 18th century and has an organ dating from 1785 above the main altar. Palazzo Rondinelli houses a library and a picture gallery; the building also includes an old collection and a historic garden.

Paths between Town and Landscape

The “Da Montalbano a Tempa Petrolla” route passes through Montalbano Jonico’s old town to the starting point of the “Appiett u Castiedd” trail. This old transhumance route connected Montalbano Jonico with the royal Tratturo of Metaponto. This allows for a travel plan that first takes in historic urban spaces and then turns its attention to the landscape, geology and former routes of connection.

For families and other travel groups wishing to bring together different interests, this selection offers a range of ideas for day trips: a cultural tour, an exploration of sacred art, a route to Tempa Petrolla or a focus on nature in the Calanchi. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Montalbano Jonico, you can therefore consider whether your stay should be shaped mainly by the landscape, history, regional tradition or a combination of these.

San Maurizio and Regional Tradition

The San Maurizio patronal festival takes place in Montalbano Jonico every year from 19 to 23 September. During the procession, the saint is carried through the streets of Montalbano in a boat decorated with flowers and grain. Those who choose this period for their trip experience a festive tradition closely connected with the townscape and the communal character of the patronal festival.

More Destinations to Compare

If you would like to explore other destinations on this page in addition to Montalbano Jonico, you can find Lido Di Scanzano, Pomarico, Irsina, San Giorgio Lucano, Marina Di Pisticci, Miglionico, Pisticci and Lido Quarantotto.

For the main travel overview: Matera.