Aliano Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the historic hill town in Basilicata
Table of Contents
Aliano
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Latest page update: 16 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The town of Aliano is situated within the Province of Matera in Basilicata and has a population of 954 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 555 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 98 km². There's one hotel within 12 km while nearby places of interest include Guardia Perticara, Spinoso, Craco, Tursi and Viggiano. |
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Discover Aliano
Aliano is a small town located in the southern part of Basilicata, within the province of Matera. Set on a hill in the heart of the region, it offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the rugged landscape of the Lucanian Apennines. Known for its quiet, traditional atmosphere, Aliano’s narrow streets and old stone buildings reflect the town’s deep historical roots.
The town is famous for its connection to the renowned Italian writer Carlo Levi, who was exiled to Aliano during the Fascist regime. His time in the town is immortalised in his book Christ Stopped at Eboli, which portrays the struggles of rural life in this isolated region. The house where Levi lived has been turned into a museum, providing a fascinating insight into his time in Aliano and the history of the area.
Nearby, the city of Matera is easily accessible, offering its famous Sassi cave dwellings and numerous historical sites. The surrounding countryside, with its wild, unspoilt beauty, is ideal for hiking and exploring, and the nearby Pollino National Park provides expansive mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife. Aliano, with its rich literary history and proximity to both cultural landmarks and natural beauty, offers a unique and tranquil experience in Basilicata.
The town is famous for its connection to the renowned Italian writer Carlo Levi, who was exiled to Aliano during the Fascist regime. His time in the town is immortalised in his book Christ Stopped at Eboli, which portrays the struggles of rural life in this isolated region. The house where Levi lived has been turned into a museum, providing a fascinating insight into his time in Aliano and the history of the area.
Nearby, the city of Matera is easily accessible, offering its famous Sassi cave dwellings and numerous historical sites. The surrounding countryside, with its wild, unspoilt beauty, is ideal for hiking and exploring, and the nearby Pollino National Park provides expansive mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife. Aliano, with its rich literary history and proximity to both cultural landmarks and natural beauty, offers a unique and tranquil experience in Basilicata.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Aliano
- Historic centre of Aliano is perched on a rocky hilltop in Basilicata, with narrow stone streets and houses built into the hillside. The village’s layout reveals its defensive origins, with ancient walls and terraced buildings that overlook the surrounding plain. Aliano’s quiet lanes offer a glimpse into traditional rural life.
- Casa di Carlo Levi is the former home of the writer and painter Carlo Levi, whose book "Christ Stopped at Eboli" brought attention to the village. The house is now a museum showcasing his life and work, with exhibitions that explore the region’s history and culture. It provides important cultural context for visitors.
- Piazza del Popolo acts as the main gathering place in Aliano, bordered by cafés and small shops. The square is a venue for local festivals and social events, reflecting the village’s community spirit. From here, visitors can take in views of the plain below and the distant hills.
- Surrounding countryside walks offer routes through olive groves, rocky landscapes, and farmland. These paths provide a chance to experience the natural environment that shaped Aliano’s history. Walkers can enjoy varied terrain and views of the wider Basilicata region.
- Guided cultural and literary tours focus on Aliano’s connection to Carlo Levi and its rural traditions. Guides share stories about the writer’s exile here, local customs, and the landscape that inspired his work. These tours often include tastings of regional food and wine, combining history with local flavours.
Aliano Tours and Activities
Comune di Aliano
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Province: Matera
Region: Basilicata Population: 862 (in 2024 - source) Size: 96 km² Elevation: 555 metres Close by: Guardia Perticara, Spinoso, Craco, Tursi, Viggiano Recommended stay: Hotel Ristorante Mariano (17 km) |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Aliano
Basilicata Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Basilicata
1. Matera
2. Craco
3. Maratea
4. Melfi
5. Pietrapertosa
6. Sant'Angelo Le Fratte
7. Venosa
8. Pollino National Park
9. Satriano di Lucania
10. Castelmezzano
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Basilicata
1. Matera
2. Craco
3. Maratea
4. Melfi
5. Pietrapertosa
6. Sant'Angelo Le Fratte
7. Venosa
8. Pollino National Park
9. Satriano di Lucania
10. Castelmezzano
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Basilicata
