Roots in the Rock – Botanical Mysteries of the Murgia

What do rock plants have to do with human presence in this area? How have they adapted to this ancient rock over the centuries, and what do they tell us about those who lived here before us? Mimma Bruna Giovinazzo, botanist and nature guide, will accompany you on a walk in the Murgia Materana Park—an area that preserves a third of the entire Basilicata region's biodiversity. The trail explores the flora, landscape, and territory with a dual perspective: scientific and poetic, rigorous and accessible. You'll emerge with different eyes. The basic trail is suitable for everyone: about 4 km with a slight elevation gain on mixed rocky terrain, panoramic and never challenging. For those who want to push themselves further, the route can be customized and transformed into an EE trek. Average duration: 2.5 hours. The departure time is chosen by Mimma based on the day's temperatures, to ensure comfort and safety. What to bring: shoes with good grip, water, hat, snacks, layered clothing. How to get to the starting point: The trail is about a 20-minute drive from Matera. You'll need to travel independently; car sharing is available for larger groups.