Metaponto

Metaponto, on Basilicata's Ionian coast between the Bradano and Basento rivers, is the site of the ancient Greek colony of Metapontum, founded in the mid-7th century BC by settlers from Achaea and one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia. The philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras spent his final years teaching here after leaving Croton, and is said to have died and been buried at Metapontum.

The most striking surviving monument is the Tavole Palatine ("palatine tables"), 15 surviving Doric columns from an originally 32-column peripteral temple dedicated to Hera, dating to around 570–550 BC. The wider Metaponto archaeological park includes the remains of a theatre, an agora, and temples dedicated to Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, and Demeter, alongside Roman-era structures, and the Antiquarium of Metaponto museum holds a collection of Greek pottery and other finds from the site. Alongside its archaeological significance, Metaponto's modern development is centred on its Ionian coastline.

Metaponto lies on Basilicata's Ionian coast, near Bernalda in Matera province.

The Tavole Palatine — 15 surviving Doric columns from a 6th-century-BC temple to Hera — and the wider Metaponto archaeological park, with its theatre, agora, and temple remains, are the main sights, along with the Antiquarium of Metaponto museum.

Visiting the archaeological park and Ionian coast beach are the main activities in Metaponto.

Metaponto is close to Bernalda inland and to Matera further north, both in Matera province.