Matera

These were taken years ago, four to be exact, in the days when my skills as a photogragher was a little lacking. It has improved somewhat over the last 2 years. The third picture was taken outside the hotel room. This was the 'Sassi' community of Matera. They are a cave dwelling community, the houses are made into the ravine and for years were abandoned. They have experienced a rennaisance, city folks have come back to rehab these old caves into homes, hotels and restaurants. It's become a Unesco World Heritage site. It is an awe inspiring place. When we arrived by train from Bari, we arrived at the new town. We went to the tourist office and was pointed the way to the 'Sassi' which was below the new town in the ravine. It was so amazing and we had to haul our luggage down lots of rugged steps to our 'Sassi' hotel which is a collection of caves that has been refurbished and was absolutely beautiful, modern and comfortable. This is still one of the most amazing places we've visited, after having been to so many more fascinating places. The only reason I even know about this place was after viewing the movie, 'The passion of the Christ'. It was filmed on location here and I thought the location was so hauntingly beautiful and decided I have to visit. So the following year we found our way to Naples and then on a train to Bari in Southern Italy. From Bari there is a small train company that runs regular services between Bari and Matera.
It was on this same trip that we visited Alberobello and Leece. Leece is another fascinating place with gorgeous baroque buildings. It was in Leece that I fell in love with baroque architecture and it led to two trips to Sicily for its baroque churches. This is leading me onward farther and farther away......talk about the power of contagion!
If you haven't seen the movie 'The passion of the Christ'. See it just for the location if not for the message. You'll find yourself on your way to Matera too.