The Doric columns of the temple of Hera in the plain of Metaponto
On the Ionian coast of Basilicata, in the fertile plain between the rivers Bradano and Basento, lie the remains of Metapontion, one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia, founded in the seventh century BC by Greek colonists from Achaea. The city became rich thanks to agriculture, especially wheat, so much so that its symbol, depicted on its coins, was an ear of wheat, and it was famous as a centre of culture: here lived and died, according to tradition, the great philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, who had taken refuge here after being expelled from Croton, and his school continued to flourish in the city.
The most famous monument of Metaponto is the Tavole Palatine, the remains of a Doric temple dedicated to Hera, of the sixth century BC, which stands isolated in the countryside a few kilometres north of the city, near the Bradano river: of the original 32 columns, 15 are still standing, with their capitals and part of the entablature, a sight of great beauty and solemnity, especially at sunset. The name "Tavole Palatine" derives, according to tradition, from the belief that the knights of the paladins of France met here. The Archaeological Park of the ancient city preserves the remains of the sanctuary of Apollo Lykaios, with several temples, the agora, the theatre and the houses, and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Metaponto displays the finds from the excavations, including ceramics, jewellery and votive objects. The nearby beaches of Metaponto Lido are long and sandy.
Tip: visit the Tavole Palatine at sunset; then the museum and the archaeological park.
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