The legacy of the volcano: a journey of discovery through unspoiled Basilicata

Route details

Experience a challenging round trip from Potenza that takes you through the untouched hilly landscapes of Basilicata to the historical treasures of Venosa. Between extinct volcanoes and endless olive groves, you will discover authentic Italy off the beaten tourist track.

Basilicata is a well-kept secret among motorcyclists, and this Tourer from Potenza impressively shows why. As soon as you leave the provincial capital behind you, you are immersed in a world characterized by dramatic geography and deep silence. The route initially heads north-east towards Genzano di Lucania. Here, the typical hilly landscape of the "Fossa Bradanica" dominates - an undulating sea of grain fields, which, depending on the season, shine in lush green or bright gold. The roads here nestle organically into the topography and offer that fluid rhythm that we bikers love so much.

Venosa is undoubtedly a cultural and scenic highlight. The town, birthplace of the Roman poet Horace, breathes history. Particularly impressive is the "Incompiuta", an unfinished abbey church whose bare walls create an almost mystical atmosphere under the vast Basilicata sky. It's worth taking off your Helmet for a moment and strolling through the ancient ruins before continuing into the Vulture region.

Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano, dominates the second part of the Tourer. The soil here is dark and fertile, as you can see from the dense chestnut forests and the famous Aglianico vines that line the slopes. The air becomes noticeably cooler and fresher as you Curve along Strada Provinciale 87 through the Piano del Conte district. The landscape here appears rougher, almost alpine, and forms a fascinating contrast to the rolling hills of the morning.

On the way back to Potenza, there is time to take in the vastness of rural Basilicata. It is the little moments - the scent of broom in the air, the sight of lonely farmsteads on the hilltops and the feeling of having the road almost to yourself - that make this Tourer so special. Basilicata challenges the rider with its changing surfaces and narrow Hairpins, but rewards him with an authenticity that is rarely found in Europe. It is a journey for the senses, where arriving in Potenza comes almost too soon.