Metaponto’s sites are spread out, so you will need a car or bike between them.
1 Tavole Palatine
Fifteen Doric columns of a sixth-century BC temple, usually identified as a sanctuary of Hera, stand in the fields near the Bradano river. Local tradition linked them to the school of Pythagoras.
Practical: Small site; usually free or cheap. Check opening times.
2 Metaponto archaeological park and museum
The park preserves the sacred area of the Greek city, with the remains of several temples, including one to Apollo Lykaios, and the area of the agora. The national museum nearby displays finds from the city and its territory.
Practical: Ticketed museum; the park is close by.
3 National Museum of the Siritide (Policoro)
The museum presents ancient Siris and Herakleia, with pottery, bronzes and grave goods, beside the remains of the ancient city.
Practical: Ticketed; closed one day a week.
4 Herakleia and Bosco Pantano
Next to the museum are excavated areas of Herakleia. Towards the sea, the Bosco Pantano is a remnant of the coastal forest, managed as a nature reserve.
Practical: Check access times for the reserve.
5 Ionian beaches
Metaponto Lido and Lido di Policoro have wide sandy beaches, shallow water and pine woods, with lidos and free stretches.
Practical: Busy in August; quieter in June and September.
6 Bernalda
An inland town with a long, lively main street and a castle. Francis Ford Coppola’s family came from here, and Palazzo Margherita is now a hotel.
Practical: Free to walk; about 20 minutes from Metaponto.
