Matera and Alberobello

16-17 April 2017

Sassi di Matera - the two old-town districts of Matera - unreal, again.  The lower part of many of these dwellings are essentially caves built into the existing geology.

Per Wikipedia:  "The Sassi are reminiscent of ancient sites in and around Jerusalem, and for this reason they have been used in many Christian-themed films, including The Gospel According to St. Matthew 1964), The Passion of the Christ (2004), The Nativity Story (2006) and Ben-Hur (2016).

Adjacent to the old city was a deep stream valley, right along its edge.  In the opposite hills were numerous caves, said to be built by the earliest inhabitants, some of which seemed to be burial related.  See the people standing along the top in the right photo.

Gerri had a burning urge to get down to that suspension bridge and walk the trails - the "disease" and draw of the long trail (PCT) still remains within her.  But, the access from the left, down to the bridge, was closed with dangerous rock falls occurring in recent weeks.

Views of the second district.

Our dinner in a cave under one of the structures in the previous photos.  The floor, walls, ceiling are all carved into the original geology.

Lamb chops, onion and mushroom pizza, pasta with turnip greens/bread crumbs - yum yum.

Matera at night, under the lights.

In the morning we took a day trip, about an hour twenty, to Alberobello - another unique place - conical rooftops reminiscent of igloos.

Back to just outside Matera, hiking in the hills and valleys opposite the town.

The trail continuing below us - like we were back on the USA west coast on the PCT.

Old caves, looking inside much like burial chambers.  The info we had said archaeologists were unsure of the real purpose.  We encountered local 18-20 year olds hanging out here - they loved to hear Gerri said she came from New York City (this seems to be the dream pace to visit for many Italians we spoke with).

Back in Matera for the night.  Looking for pizza - we couldn't find any open before 7pm, and we couldn't wait that long.

We found take out slices at a small shop - all I can say is that we will soon be in Naples, one of the pizza capitals of the World.  This apartment was very nice - homelike; through the door on the left was a small storage area, down steps, and carved into geology (a cave).

Leaving Matera - you can't have too many photos of this place.