Guardia Perticara
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Latest page update: 16 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Guardia Perticara
Guardia Perticara, a hill town in the Province of Potenza, is recognised for its stone-built houses and membership of I Borghi più belli d’Italia. Local stays are mostly small residences, so for established hotels the best options are found in nearby towns.
In Matera, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers cave-style rooms with refined touches, regularly praised for their unique character (€€€). Also in Matera, Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel combines elegant rooms, a spa and rooftop views over the Sassi, consistently noted for high standards (€€€). Another option is Hotel San Domenico al Piano, providing modern accommodation in a central location, often highlighted for service and convenience (€€).
In Matera, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers cave-style rooms with refined touches, regularly praised for their unique character (€€€). Also in Matera, Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel combines elegant rooms, a spa and rooftop views over the Sassi, consistently noted for high standards (€€€). Another option is Hotel San Domenico al Piano, providing modern accommodation in a central location, often highlighted for service and convenience (€€).
Where is
Where is Guardia Perticara?
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The village of Guardia Perticara is situated within the Province of Potenza and has a population of 540 inhabitants. Listed as one of the "Borghi Più Belli d'Italia" (Italy's most beautiful villages), it stands at an elevation of 725 metres above sea level.
The nearest hotel is 11 km away while nearby places of interest include Aliano, Viggiano, Craco, Spinoso, Moliterno and Pisticci. |
Comune di Guardia Perticara
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Province: Potenza
Region: Basilicata Population: 527 (in 2024 - source) Size: 54 km² Elevation: 725 metres Close by: Aliano, Viggiano, Craco, Spinoso, Moliterno, Pisticci Recommended stay: Hotel Ristorante Mariano (25 km) |
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One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: La Dura Faccia della Pietra (The Hard Face of the Stone) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2011 1 of 2 in Basilicata listed by Touring Club Italiano |
What People Ask About Guardia Perticara, Basilicata
Is Guardia Perticara worth visiting?
Yes, Guardia Perticara is worth visiting for its traditional stone houses, picturesque streets, and panoramic views of the Val Basento. It is listed among the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (most beautiful villages of Italy) and offers an authentic small-town atmosphere.
How do I get to Guardia Perticara?
Guardia Perticara is about 80 kilometres from Potenza and is best reached by car via the SS92 and regional roads. The nearest railway stations are at Potenza and Ferrandina, with onward travel by bus or car.
What are the main attractions in Guardia Perticara?
The main attractions include the medieval historic centre with its stone houses, the Mother Church of San Nicola di Bari, and several scenic viewpoints over the surrounding valleys. The town also hosts traditional festivals celebrating local culture and cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Guardia Perticara?
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with mild weather for exploring the old town and enjoying the views. Summer offers lively festivals, while winter is quiet and atmospheric in the narrow streets.
How long should I stay in Guardia Perticara?
A half-day visit is enough to see the historic centre and enjoy the views. An overnight stay is recommended for those who want to experience the local atmosphere and use the town as a base for exploring nearby villages in the Val Basento.
Related links
Discover
Discover Guardia Perticara
Guardia Perticara is a hill town in the province of Potenza, standing at over 700 metres above sea level in the central part of Basilicata. Built entirely in local stone, it is often described as one of the most picturesque villages in the region. The houses and streets follow the natural contours of the hill, with terraced levels offering panoramic views over the valleys and wooded hills that surround it. The setting gives the town a distinctive, compact appearance typical of mountain settlements in southern Italy.
The historic centre preserves an authentic medieval layout, with the Mother Church of San Niccolò and the remains of a feudal castle among its most notable landmarks. Local traditions remain strong, with festivals, crafts, and cuisine reflecting the rhythms of rural life. Guardia Perticara has received recognition for the quality of its urban restoration and environmental care. Its position between Brienza and Aliano makes it a convenient point from which to explore the heart of Basilicata’s inland landscapes.
The historic centre preserves an authentic medieval layout, with the Mother Church of San Niccolò and the remains of a feudal castle among its most notable landmarks. Local traditions remain strong, with festivals, crafts, and cuisine reflecting the rhythms of rural life. Guardia Perticara has received recognition for the quality of its urban restoration and environmental care. Its position between Brienza and Aliano makes it a convenient point from which to explore the heart of Basilicata’s inland landscapes.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Guardia Perticara
- Guardia Perticara is a hillside village set amidst rolling hills and farmland. Its narrow streets wind through traditional stone houses and small piazzas. The village offers views across olive groves and distant mountains. Walking here reveals a community shaped by its rural surroundings and historic roots.
- Chiesa Madre di San Nicola is a central religious site, featuring a simple façade and an interior adorned with devotional artworks. The church remains important to the village’s spiritual life and hosts local celebrations. It is a key landmark for visitors.
- Historic centre features stone buildings with balconies, narrow alleys, and small squares. The architecture reflects traditional Lucanian styles. Exploring the centre offers insight into the village’s cultural heritage and daily life.
- Piazza principale serves as Guardia Perticara’s social heart, bordered by homes and cafés. The square hosts community events and seasonal festivals. Its quiet atmosphere reflects the slower pace of life in this rural village.
- Guided rural and nature tours in Guardia Perticara explore village streets, nearby countryside, and natural landscapes. Guides share stories of agricultural traditions, regional history, and local customs. Tours often include tastings of local cheeses, wines, and traditional dishes. Exploring reveals Guardia Perticara’s authentic countryside character.
Tours and Activities
Guardia Perticara Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Guardia Pericara Photo Gallery
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
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Guardia Perticara
By Rail: Guardia Perticara does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Ferrandina, about 40 kilometres away, on the Battipaglia–Metaponto line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Ferrandina to Potenza in roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes and to Taranto in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Ferrandina, local buses and taxis provide access to Guardia Perticara.
By Road: Guardia Perticara is located in central Basilicata, around 70 kilometres southeast of Potenza. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SS95 and SS598. From Matera, the distance is about 85 kilometres, with a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS7 and SS92. The town lies among the Lucanian hills, accessible by winding regional roads, with parking available near the centre and along the main access routes.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Guardia Perticara is located in central Basilicata, around 70 kilometres southeast of Potenza. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SS95 and SS598. From Matera, the distance is about 85 kilometres, with a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS7 and SS92. The town lies among the Lucanian hills, accessible by winding regional roads, with parking available near the centre and along the main access routes.
Nearest International Airports:
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Situated about 150 kilometres north of Guardia Perticara, with a drive of around 2 hours and 15 minutes via the SS7. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
- Naples–Capodichino International Airport: Located roughly 190 kilometres west, taking about 2 hours and 50 minutes by car via the A16 motorway. It provides frequent national and European routes.
- Brindisi Salento Airport: Approximately 200 kilometres east, with a journey time of about 3 hours via the SS7. It offers several connections across Italy and Europe.
Private Transfers
Guardia Perticara Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to travel to or from Guardia Perticara, providing a direct journey without the need to drive or coordinate public transport. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the most suitable option for arrivals and departures, with road access through the inland routes of central Basilicata. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Armento, Aliano, and Missanello, or to other towns and villages across the Val d’Agri and surrounding hill areas.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the most suitable option for arrivals and departures, with road access through the inland routes of central Basilicata. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Armento, Aliano, and Missanello, or to other towns and villages across the Val d’Agri and surrounding hill areas.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

