Matera: the city of two halves

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Today was spent walking around this amazing city which has been built progressively over the years from humble cave dwellings in Neolithic times to fortification during the roman era and development since into two separate cities or "sassies" - both constructed with stone.

Sassi caveoso consists of dwellings carved out of the mountains and extended beyond the walls, whereas Sassi barisano is mainly external from the mountains with elaborate free standing and multi levelled dwellings. As in most of these old Italian cities there is also a new section that completely lacks the charm of the old.

During our walks today we discovered some abandoned cave dwellings and a heritage listed rain water collection, filtering, storage and distribution system second to none, that lies underneath the city.

Most importantly today we found two glasses of prosseco, olives, tarallini (Italian pretzels) and Pringles for the huge total of 6 euros! That is $9 folks - the price of one glass of wine in good ole oz.

Tomorrow we venture off again in our trusty Peugeot for Martina Franca where we have booked an exciting stay in a trullo- a stone beehive shaped building (stay tuned)

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Photos

Multi layered
We discovered these rooms carved into the mountains- abandoned

Another Palace
Now the national museum

Rare garden
There are very few plants let alone gardens in this city. This is a refreshing sight

More streetscape
There are so many lovely views: everywhere you turn. We can only upload a sample of these but you get the idea

Comments

[judy & Bryan Walkley]

Matera
Hi guys Matera looked to be a fabulous place to explore. Garden has been well watered, after last nights light and sound show (thunderstorm ) your water gauge was full and then some! Have pics but not your email address Michael. Both dam and pool are full to over flowing. Don't have keys???? Not where you said they would be. Scatter said to have fun, don't drink too much and don't get lost