About 50 km from the well-known town of Matera is Pisticci, the ‘white town’ of Basilicata, set within a spectacular landscape that overlooks the Ionian Sea.    Pisticci, which was built on top of three hills, is featured among the 100 Wonders of Italy that needs to be safeguarded. Because the area’s soil is mainly clay, which results in the typical calanchi, or badlands, Pisticci has often been affected by landslides.

Indeed, the white houses that are the main feature of the town, were built after a violent landslide in 1688, when the residents refused to move down to the valley. They offer an especially evocative sight when the sun shines directly on them. A stroll through town reveals nice views of the wide green valley below the town.