Montescaglioso, a small Lucanian pearl in the province of Matera, is a destination renowned for its extraordinary cultural and environmental heritage, for which it received the designation "Jewel of Italy" in 2012. Situated in the heart of the Parco delle Chiese rupestri del Materano, a UNESCO site, this town is known as the "City of Monasteries", a title that celebrates the prestigious monastic complex of San Michele Arcangelo (1079) and other fine religious buildings. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Michael Archangel, in fact, enchants with its Renaissance cloisters, the frescoed Abbot's Library, and the historical evidence that recounts a centuries-old past, contained in the Museum of Rural Art and the Ethnographic Collection. The same past that belongs to the historic center, characterized by the Norman Castle (11th century), alleys and historic gates: not surprisingly, for centuries the area has guarded memories of remote eras, from the earliest traces of the Bronze Age to the Norman and Byzantine periods (the village was founded as a Byzantine fortress, although archaeological evidence testifies to early settlements in the 7th century B.C.), which have left indelible marks in the local architecture and culture. The visit continues by admiring the only one of the six gateways still standing, called Porta Sant'Angelo, and with Montescaglioso's extensive sacred heritage. In addition to the Benedictine Abbey of St. Michael the Archangel, there are three other monastic complexes, namely the religious communities of St. Augustine (15th century), the Capuchin Convent (17th century) and the Monastery of the Most Holy Conception (18th century). Also worth seeing are the Church of Saints Peter and Paul (15th century), the Church of St. Stephen, the Church of St. Rocco (a destination for pilgrims and visitors in the month of August precisely during the celebrations in honor of the patron saint) and the Park of the Rock Churches of the Materano. Finally, the discovery of the area includes areas such as the wood of Difesa San Biagio or the Pianelle Visitor Center, suitable for hiking, trekking and orienteering. Montescaglioso is also synonymous with evocative traditions, perfect for returning emigrants interested in delving into Lucanian cultural roots. The historical reenactment "The Ride of the Bourbon" in September, "The Procession of the Mysteries" in Holy Week and "The Night of the Cucibocca" on Epiphany Day stand out. Prominent among the oldest events is the Carnival, which sports a dual soul: on the one hand there is the parade of floats of the "Carnevale Montese", and on the other the characteristic "Traditional Carnevalone", in which traditional masks, paper clothes and recycled fabrics embody a world of symbols and irony. There is no shortage of outstanding food and wine experiences: as Lucania's "oil town", Montescaglioso is renowned for its PDO oil, which is used for products in oil such as tomatoes, eggplant and artichokes. Also worth trying are traditional dishes such as "cialledda" (a soup made with bread, onions, olive oil, pecorino cheese and chili pepper), orecchiette, cavatelli, and barbecued sheep and goat meat. All accompanied by excellent local wine. Montescaglioso represents the authentic face of Basilicata: a perfect mix of art, culture, nature and traditions that welcomes visitors in every season with the promise of an unforgettable experience.