The Italians have had a few millenia to practise living in high vantage places. Starting with these amazing cave-like dwellings. It’s no wonder they’ve continued in the same vein.
Matera town, is like so many others, but isn’t. Balanced like shuffled playing cards. Constructed piecemeal houses form a pretty mono mishmash of rubik’s cubes. Attracts worldwide visitors, including us.
We walked up the forty minute one in six zig-zag yesterday evening, so not wanting to get too fit we caught this morning’s free shuttle bus service. It takes us into the heart of the “modern day” Sassi. A regenerated “Bijou” town, since Hollywood and the Italian government decided to invest. Modern divided from the ancient by a huge ravine. The ancient considered by many Holywood filmaker to be a perfect “Jerusalem” location. Both considered perfect for the tourism “buck” by the local administration.
It’s easy to appreciate the other side’s beauty from both sides of “la Gravina”. We take a walk on the wild side. Follow a rocky track not taken by many. Stumble across this church, literally hewn into the rock face.
Meanwhile on the other side of town we come across another church. This strange looking fella greets us as we enter.
