After a beautiful stay in Mararea, we headed across the toe of Italy. Firstly there was a steep climb up into semi alpine county. I'm not sure how high we climbed but there were many warnings about the road being slippery when covered with snow. There was also a large hydroelectric scheme in the mountains. The descent on the eastern side was more sedate through wide sand and gravel valleys.
This is the furthest south we have ever driven in Italy, with the exception of Sicily; who don't regard themselves as part of Italy.
The major reason for our journey was to see the historical town of Matera. Like so many locations it was visited and publicised by Earnest Hemingway and in particular the extremely primitive cave conditions that residents endured immediately post WW2.
The town is certainly all stone. The photos on the left are of a preserved grotto; the family lived on the top level, with animals on the lower two levels.
Matera has been the back drop for a couple of religious movies, taking the part of Jerusalem.
Our accommodation was certainly stone if not a grotto, and afforded an excellent view over the valley, and the grottoes on the hill opposite.
The Duomo is magnificent and showed the signs of recent maintenance.
Like so many old Italian towns there appears to be a church around every corner.
There is certainly great charm and even beauty with unique features in this town. It could however be so much better. The dog dropping in the streets, rubbish and unkept verges makes for a shabby look.
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