A key stage in the journey as well Basilicata from coast to coast
Policòro (Pulecòre in the local dialect; Polychoron, Πολύχωρον in Ancient Greek) is a municipality in the province of Matera, situated not far from the ruins of ancient Eraclea, which at the time was part of the Siritide region, near Siris.
Eraclea was a key centre of Magna Graecia, founded in the 6th century BC, and – centuries later – the scene of the battle between the Romans and Pyrrhus (280 BC).
Policoro expanded during the Middle Ages, with an urban centre developing near the Baronial Castle.
Its growth received a further boost in 1959, when it gained autonomy from Montalbano Jonico and became a municipality in its own right. Also during the 1960s, it experienced significant population growth, driven by migration from the hinterland. As a result, Policoro is now not only the fifth-largest town in Basilicata in terms of population, but also one of the most important economically (thanks in part to its location on the Matapontino plain).
Monuments and places of interest
- Siritid National Archaeological Museum
- The Lido area, with the left and right seafronts
- Baronial Castle
- “Torre Mozza” Coastal Tower”
- Casale Gioacchino
- Masseria Acinapura
- Casalini hamlet
- Bovari House
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Church of St Francis
- Mother Church
- Chapel of Our Lady of the Bridge
- Villa Comunale
- Walled Gardens
- Piazza Segni
- Piazza Ripoli
- Former sugar factory industrial complex
- Former “La Fornace” Brickworks”
- “Villaggio Sant’Antonio” Experimental Agricultural Village”
