 Introduction
Arrival Plane
The nearest airports are Lamezia Terme and Naples International Airport which is two to three hours north of Maratea.
Train
Maratea is about three hours from Naples Central Station by regional train, or just over two hours by InterCity train. Another option is the Eurostar, which stops at nearby Sapri.
Car
The quickest way to reach Maratea is by the A3 tollway from Naples, which takes two to three hours. Leave the Autostrada at the Lagonegro Nord/Maratea exit and follow the local roads to Maratea. An alternative route is the coastal highway, or Via Nazionale. From Campagnia, head for Sapri, just above the border with Basilicata, and follow the coast about 20 km (16 miles) until you reach Maratea.
History and Culture
There are strong indications of the Greek period for example, its name and several other place-names (Calicastro, Racia, Profiti, Filacara, Santavenere). Also recent archaeological discoveries appear to confirm this. Whereas the name and origins certainly go back to the Greek colonization, the most ancient document on the city, a bull of Alfano I, Bishop of Salerno, dates from the year 1079. Many archaeological relics dating back to Roman times have also been found and include lions made from ancient stone, Byzantine frescoes, tables and marble relief's.
Most development occurred between the XVII and XVII centuries. The churches and buildings which make up the actual historical centre date from this time. Because of its geographical position there have been several attempted invasion's from the Normans, Angiovini and Spanish. Even pirates tried but did not succeed thanks to Maratea's narrow position, seven look-out towers and castle on the mountain.
There is a legend told from 1400 that San Biagio woke the guards at Maratea, then sounded the bell to warn the town of a night attack by Charles VIII, because the Saint woke the town, they defeated the troops and stopped the planned invasion.
As Maratea is in easy reach of Naples and Salerno it became an important trading port, and the town became a renowned centre of cultural education with unification of Italy. In the last century the town has become a top holiday destination with very little difference from how the town was in the 1960's.
Churches and Museums
Chiesa dell'Immacolata
Chiesa dell'Immacolata (once known as San Pietro), is one of the 44 churches you should not miss, here a 14th Century fresco was discovered in the early 1990s. To view the fresco, take the stairs through the door just to the left of the entrance.
Santa Maria Maggiore
Maratea's best-known monument is the oldest church which faces the square with the same name in the center of the village.
Church of the Annunziata
Formerly a pagan temple dedicated to Minerva, it is where a marble relief and the breastplate of its patron saint, have been preserved since 732.
Historical buildings and monuments
Maratea's statue of the Redentore sculpted in 1965 by Bruno Innocenti stands on Mt San Biagio, and is the second largest of its kind in the world (after Rio de Janeiro's), standing at 22 meters high. From here there are spectacular views of the historic centre, the Port of Maratea, and the coast as you look almost straight down from the summit ridge. At night, illuminated brilliant white, it appears to soar through the sky.
Places of Interest
The Centro Storico or Old Town of Maratea is built on the slopes of Monte San Biagio (in English, Mt. Saint Blaise). It has been carefully restored and has two main piazzas and a maze of narrow streets and alley ways. This area has been host to most of the civilizations of the western world and there is a great deal here to interest the historian. The old town is only small, so you will only need around than an hour or two to enjoy the sights.
Porto di Maratea
A winding road takes you down to the Porto di Maratea which takes 10minutes by road from the Centro Storic. Once a fishing harbour, these days it is mostly host to pleasure craft. The port has an assortment of shops, several cafes with indoor and outdoor tables. In good weather, boats offer coastal and cave excursions.
Coastline and Beaches
The coastline is varied, quite rugged in places with hidden beaches bordered by maritime pines, caves, beautiful clear water and underwater reefs. The closest beaches are the private beach Spiaggia di Fiumicello. Other beaches include the beaches at Acquafredda (10 km north) and Marina di Maratea (5 km south) along the coastal road.
Rivello and Lagonegro
From Maratea, it's a short drive to Rivello, which is a hill town of 3,500 inhabitants that is virtually unknown to English-speaking travelers. Lagonegro, near the Autostrada exit for Maratea, is also worth visiting. It's said to be the burial place of the Mona Lisa in Leonardo da Vinci's painting.
Cilento National Park
The Cilento National Park is 30km from Maratea and offers a whole variety of opportunities to hikers, riders and mountain bikers. Trails in valleys and gorges (e.g. the river Calore) lead you along beautiful landscape with varied flora and fauna. Bikes can be hired and horses are available in San Severino.
Certosa di San Lorenzo
The Certosa di San Lorenzo, also known as the Certosa di Padula, is a former Carthusian charterhouse about an hour from Maratea in the city of Padula. The 700-year-old monastery has been a national monument since 1882.
Pollino National Park
Pollino is Italy's newest and largest Protected Area, between the summits of Dolcedorme and Cozzo del Pellegrino. It is so wild that around thirty wolves inhabit the remotest parts. The park's symbol is in fact the rare loricate pine, an ancient species that was once widespread but which has declined since the last Ice Age as the climate has warmed.
Events
Every year, on the feast of San Biagio there is a festival between the first and second Sundays in May. The festival is initiated by a procession carrying a bust of San Biaggio covered by a red cloth which is removed by the mayor to show to the faithful. The week that follows is a celebration of music, drama, dance and other events.
Madonna of Porto Salvo festival- June
Summer concerts, and other activities held at the Harbour.
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