Matera

We spent the day touring the ancient city of Matera with our guide, Giorgio, arranged through Tours by Locals. Matera is the third longest occupied city in the world, housing civilization for 9000 years. All the dwellings are carved into the limestone ravine. Up until the mid 20th century there was no plumbing or electricity. Dorothy and I both agreed that we would not have done well living in such conditions.

Above the Sassi (cave dwelling community). All these structures are caves carved into the limestone with facades.
Our knowledgeable guide, Georgio!
Matera has been designated a UNESCO site, not because of its age, but because of its incredible cistern system.
A small enclave which made up a community.
When I commented that this area reminded me of Bethlehem, Georgio informed us that this area was used as a setting for the movie “The Passion”.
Cow femurs holding up the drainage gutters.
Lots of picture taking opportunities.
Frescos inside one of the cave churches.
Dorothy drinking wine in front of the Church of Purgatory 😂
After climbing down into the sassi and back out again we earned an Aperitif!
And our first gelato of the week!
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Author: robmin57

We still enjoy planning our own travel (most of the time😉). Using “Third Home”, a home exchange program, has added a new dimension to our travel planning. As Andy Dufresne says “Either get busy living, or get busy dying”

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