Trulli Stone Houses of Alberobello & Sassi Cave-Dwellings in Matera
Day 5: Today we went into the Puglia and Basilicata regions. We first stopped in Alberobello at Tholos Enogastronomia. They are a winebar or Enoteca that serves wine and snacks. They also sell food products and the wine from all over the region. For a self proclaimed "foodie" such as myself it was like being a kid in a candy store. In addition to instruction on food and wine pairings, the store was stocked floor to ceiling with foods, condiments, local olive oils, pastas, jams and more...oh my! We enjoyed some local meats and cheeses and tasted the regions wines to pair with the incredible antipasti spread the proprietor of Tholos had put out. Following the tasting we had a few more hours to roam the streets and explore the cone-shaped, stone trulli houses that are still lived in today. Many of them are shops as well. I had one of the best experiences of my entire trip while in Alberobello. I was in one of the shops and had a half Italian half English conversation with the shop owners, a sweet older couple. Before I knew it I was invited into their home and escorted to their rooftop terrace. The gentleman saw my camera and said he had the best view in town. I agree! It was magical. I shall always remember their kindness. The pictures are below in the photo gallery.
Next we drove on to the town of Matera, which includes one of the world's most unique neighborhoods — the Sassi — completely made up of ancient stone and cave dwellings. Sassi di Matera (means "stones of Matera"). Before entering the town we viewed it from the opposite side of "la gravina" the deep ravine that separates the two sides. What a view!
Day 6: Today a local expert, told us the stories and showed us the contrast of old and new Matera as she guided us throughout the communities. She explained the wonders of the 9,000-year-old Sassi. We went inside a Sassi home to see first hand the cave-dwelling conditions. It's hard to imagine that people lived like that as recently as 60 years ago. We made a visit to a rock hewn church, and walked around the new town. The rest of this day we were free to wander through the different layers (literally) of Matera. One of first things I needed to do...find a gelateria and cool off with due pallina (two scoops)! A couple of my new friends and I found a salumeria (deli) for some meats and cheeses and a bottle of vino. Then we went to a panetteria (bakery) for fresh bread, and the mercato (open air market) to buy fresh fruit. We were all set for a picnic in a shady spot. As the sun went down and the air cooled off we went for the traditional passeggiata of strolling with the locals. What a lovely tradition the Italians have. I wish this was part of our culture in the US. Taking time out at the end of everyday to spend with your loved ones and just enjoy la dolcezza della vita!
Click the "Play" button below for a slideshow.
Next we drove on to the town of Matera, which includes one of the world's most unique neighborhoods — the Sassi — completely made up of ancient stone and cave dwellings. Sassi di Matera (means "stones of Matera"). Before entering the town we viewed it from the opposite side of "la gravina" the deep ravine that separates the two sides. What a view!
Day 6: Today a local expert, told us the stories and showed us the contrast of old and new Matera as she guided us throughout the communities. She explained the wonders of the 9,000-year-old Sassi. We went inside a Sassi home to see first hand the cave-dwelling conditions. It's hard to imagine that people lived like that as recently as 60 years ago. We made a visit to a rock hewn church, and walked around the new town. The rest of this day we were free to wander through the different layers (literally) of Matera. One of first things I needed to do...find a gelateria and cool off with due pallina (two scoops)! A couple of my new friends and I found a salumeria (deli) for some meats and cheeses and a bottle of vino. Then we went to a panetteria (bakery) for fresh bread, and the mercato (open air market) to buy fresh fruit. We were all set for a picnic in a shady spot. As the sun went down and the air cooled off we went for the traditional passeggiata of strolling with the locals. What a lovely tradition the Italians have. I wish this was part of our culture in the US. Taking time out at the end of everyday to spend with your loved ones and just enjoy la dolcezza della vita!
Click the "Play" button below for a slideshow.