Southern Italy, as is well-known, was conquered in the 1200s by the Swabian Frederick II. During his life, he was King of Sicily, Duke of Swabia, King of the Romans, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Jerusalem. Frederick was a cultured and literary man and the many traces of his time will be revealed in the documentary Nelle Terre di Federico II, produced by BweB with support from the Lucana Film Commission in collaboration with Polo Museale della Regione Basilicata – MIBACT (Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities and Tourism).
Shooting commenced on 4 November in the Vulture Melfese area and continues through 11 November. Locations include some of the territory’s most significant cultural and tourist sites, from Melfi to Venosa, the Lakes of Monticchio to the border with Apulia. The Castles of Lagopesole and Melfi, majestic witnesses to events of the time, are featured alongside favourite imperial residences, such as borgo of Palazzo San Gervasio, beloved by Prince Manfred and today an important cultural site. The story of Frederick II is the perfect key to recounting the many natural and artistic treasures in the region of Basilicata from the National Archaeological Museums of Venosa and Melfi to the Lakes of Monticchio.