Staying in one of the Sassi’s cave hotels has become one of tourism's most exotic new experiences, allowing the traveller seeking new thrills, to lodge, at least temporarily, as a troglodyte, or "cave dweller". Only thing is, the caves are nothing like one would expect; these are immaculate uber modern rooms with state-of-the-art amenities, subterranean
The selection panel of independent experts responsible for assessing the Italian cities competing to be European Capital of Culture in 2019 has recommended that Matera should be awarded the title. The other five cities short-listed after the initial pre-selection round in November 2013 were Cagliari, Lecce, Perugia, Ravenna and Siena.The formal designation of Matera by
What a truly delectable find Al Buon Gustaio is: a little shop chock full of specialty food items from the region. From the typical oven roasted black olives to olive paté; from specialty pastas to fried sweet peppers (peperoni cruschi), they're all there. yum! Definitely worth a visit in Matera's Piazza V. Veneto. Spaghetti Lucani I
The Sassi of Matera, I read in the guide book, were developed by its inhabitants over the centuries in a manner that is now called "Spontaneous Architecture". It seems to conform to the natural environment, and yet in the mess of stone, it is wonderfully exciting to discover sophisticated and elegant styles of architecture in
The silence is interminable. Its echo, heavy and primordial, resounds throughout the valley. There is an absence of time and space here, in this “anthill” city, in this forgotten tombstone of another society. I stand mesmerized, on the parapet above the canyon where the old city lies. The view, or perhaps the idea that I’ve