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Writer's pictureHenry

Grottole, The Sleepy Village that Roars

“Pienz’ a fa’ juorn, ca nott’ é fatt’”

“Pensa a domani, che oggi è ormai passato”

“Think tomorrow as today has passed”

~Grottolesi Proverb

Grottole, the history-rich hamlet in Basilicata, Italy erected on a mountain provides breathtaking views for locals and visitors alike. It is the southern countryside best-kept secret.


Grottole is primed to blend ancient with modern - local traditions with diverse multi-local residents from across the globe. It is an enclave in which one can connect, serve, and be cared for. It’s the next generation’s new model of intentional living fueled by building community-within-community. Grottole incubates pathways to humans’ true essence of multiculturalism.


It enjoys an ideal central location nearby other scenic towns including Pietrapertosa, Castelmezzano, Metaponto, the medieval ghost town of Craco, and of course the region’s capital city of Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019.


Grottole offers unparalleled access to a breathtaking countryside. For outdoors aficionados, it presents a great setting where inspiration can be tapped and poured into work projects back in the comfort and refuge of a quaint picturesque cottage. Hiking, horse back riding, and bird watching sites in Grottole and its vicinity include: Bosco Coste, Reserva di San Giuliano, and il Parco regionale di Gallipoli Cognato.


This small borgo of winding cobblestone streets and historic sites, which carry legends and magical stories, foretells the promise of sharing resources, energy, and a common goal to strengthen human bonds.


Grottole is ready to create an ancient future – bridging the region’s old practices with modernity. The village offers a living experience enriched with physical and mental health, byproducts of its vegetable garden’s fresh produce and fresh air from the surrounding countryside.


How to meet the locals?


By pulling a Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love and eating and drinking with the Grottolesi. One gem in town is Bar Zolletta where you can enjoy Pan di Stelle (the Italian version of Moon pie), a tasty weave of white chocolate and cream to satisfy your sweet tooth and/or sharing a succulent aperitivo with the Grottolesi after a productive day in revitalizing this splendid campagna lucana. Another local meeting point is VikyAnn Ristorante where you can enjoy a diverse selection of pizzas, traditional Italian dishes, and regional wines.


Grottole’s historic center’s revitalization equipped with striving businesses from both local and global collaborations would foster a reality where everyone could live in community and commute locally. The prosperity it seeks by thinking beyond old constructs, leaning into the unknown and formulating smart growth strategies to strengthen the borgo and its economy, is already in motion. That is Wonder Grottole’s proposition: A new way of doing culture that involves people from all over the world. Grottole is now ready to manifest its ceaseless spirit.


Photo Credit: Shutterstock


My question to you: Are you ready to break outdated constructs and play an active role defining and shaping vibrant, healthy communities where the ancient meets modernity for a brighter future in our global community?

 

Catalyst. Mindful Nomad. Advocate. Pure Essence.

Henry is a social researcher, and fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish. He is a public relations veteran, creating magnetic, distinctive brand identities and building relationships for organizations and individuals. A multi-local globalized citizen. Get in touch if you are in need of innovative, thought provoking content.

 
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