Muro Lucano

Muro  Lucano​

Latest page update: 28 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
​The town of Muro Lucano is situated within the Province of Potenza and has a population of 5,304 inhabitants. Standing at an elevation of 600 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 126 km².

​The nearest hotel is 16 km away while nearby places of interest include Bella, San Fele, Castel Lagopesole, Melfi and Acerenza.

What People Ask About Muro Lucano

What is Muro Lucano known for?
Muro Lucano is known for its dramatic hillside setting and the ruins of its medieval castle. It’s also associated with Queen Joanna I of Naples, who was murdered there in the 14th century, and is one of Basilicata’s most historic towns.
Is Muro Lucano worth visiting?
Yes, Muro Lucano is worth visiting for its unique layout of stacked houses, sweeping valley views, and quiet streets. The town is ideal for walking, with steep lanes leading to historical points such as the castle and cathedral.
What happened to Queen Joanna in Muro Lucano?
Queen Joanna I of Naples was murdered in Muro Lucano in 1382, likely strangled on the orders of Charles of Durazzo. The event is linked to the town’s castle, where she is believed to have spent her final days before her death.
How do you get to Muro Lucano?
Muro Lucano doesn’t have its own train station. The nearest stations are in Bella-Muro and Baragiano, with road access from Potenza and Avellino. The town is best reached by car, with parking at the lower levels of the historic centre.
What can you see in Muro Lucano?
Visitors can explore the remains of the castle, the Cathedral of San Nicola, and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. The town’s stair-stepped layout and balconies provide panoramic views over the Platano Valley and surrounding hills.
Related links
Muro Lucano Overview
The Lucano part of the town's name is a reference to the region which it belongs to. In 1947, the former Lucania region became Basilicata and the appendage to Muro's name is in order to separate it from other Italian villages; there is for example a village in Puglia called Muro Leccese, the second part of its name referring to the Province of Lecce. 

Set in an area of hills and fascinating villages, Muro Lucano stands out with some truly breathtaking views as you make your way in and out of the town. The Italian word belvedere means viewing area (bel - nice, vedere - to see), and Muro Lucano has a great one called the Belvedere San Nicola. 

​From there you can see the colourful cluster of the town's houses and the imposing Castello Medievale which sits at the top of the hill. Close to the castle on the same hill is the Cattedrale di San Nicola, while the town can also boast an archaeological museum: the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Muro Lucano. ​
Practicalities
Local accommodation options are a little thin on the ground and it pays to spread the net a little further to find something good. There's the highly recommended Hotel Bouganville in the little village of Picerno; 24 kilometres away and a drive of around 25 minutes but certainly worth the extra effort. 

If driving to or away from Muro Lucano, be sure to take care when crossing the bridge on the main road just to the south of the town. It's very narrow and wide enough for one car at a time which means you sometimes have to wait for an oncoming vehicle to pass first. 
Comune di Muro Lucano
Province: Potenza

Region: Basilicata

Population: 4,925​ (in 2024 - source)

​Total size: 126 km²

Elevation: 600 metres

​​​​​Highlights: Belvedere di San Nicola, Castello Medievale

Close by: Bella, San Fele, Castel Lagopesole, Melfi, Acerenza
My recommended accommodation options for Muro Lucano:
  • Hotel La Piana Located just outside the town centre, this comfortable hotel offers modern rooms with scenic views of the surrounding countryside, a restaurant serving traditional Basilicatan cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting, friendly service, and proximity to Muro Lucano’s main attractions, including the Castello di Muro Lucano and the town’s charming streets. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Il Gelsomino Set in a quiet location near Muro Lucano, this charming bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful surroundings, and the easy access to Muro Lucano’s historical sites and surrounding nature trails. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo La Montagnola Located a short drive from Muro Lucano, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views of the Lucanian hills, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the rural setting, the authentic Basilicatan experience, and the short drive to both Muro Lucano’s attractions and nearby nature reserves. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel La Foresta Situated just outside Muro Lucano, this family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms with panoramic views, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving regional dishes. Guests enjoy the warm hospitality, peaceful atmosphere, and the easy access to the surrounding countryside and Muro Lucano’s cultural landmarks. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Il Casale Located a short distance from Muro Lucano, this bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms with views of the Lucanian mountains, a relaxing garden, and a delicious homemade breakfast. Guests enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the tranquil environment, and the proximity to both Muro Lucano’s main attractions and outdoor activities. €€ (mid-range)

Muro  Lucano​​  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

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.