Ep. 15: Basilicata's Beachside Paradise with Author Helene Stapinski
Tante Belle Cose, an Italy Travel podcast
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (api.substack.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
This episode features an interview with author and journalist Helene Stapinski about Basilicata. I discuss Helene’s remarkable investigation into a family mystery in her book Murder in Matera, which blends Italian history, true crime, and personal discovery. We delve into Basilicata's beautiful yet lesser-known area, exploring its pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and local culture. Helene provides insights into where to stay, where she had the best meal of her life, and about the completed untouristed ruins and beaches along the Ionian coast.
We also discussed the arduous journey of Italian immigrants from small towns to Naples before setting sail for America, which she beautifully described in her book.
This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, like why so many Southern Italians don’t know how to swim, travel tips for getting around Basilicata by car and train, and a deeper understanding of Italy’s hidden treasures like the extraordinary gold wreath at the archeaological museum at Metaponto.
00:00 Introduction to Helene Stapinski’s writing
01:23 Murder in Matera: A Deep Dive
02:53 Exploring Matera and Basilicata
03:40 Interview with Helene Stepinski
04:18 Hidden Gems of Basilicata
08:37 Cultural Insights and Personal Stories
22:03 The Emigrant Experience
35:01 Conclusion and Future Plans
Read Helene’s New York Times story about the Ionian Coast
Read A History of Hunger Lies Beneath Italy’s Food Culture in Time Magazine
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danielleoteri.com/subscribe