Sassi of Matera

incredible house-stone

Basilicata

tha land of Sassi di Matera and Francis Ford Coppola

Washed by two seas, the Jonio to the south-east and the Tirreno to the south-west, mountainous in the centre with peaks rising above 2,000 m, Basilicata gives itself over to the traveller, offering the excitement of the discovery of its natural beauty, of its history and prehistory, of its traditions which in some areas conserve the ancestral memories of the origins of man (Sassi di Matera). Basilicata is a land rich in culinary traditions that it offers a great deal to anyone interested in wine and food! Pasta, traditionally made by hand, using only hard-grain flour, salt and water is a Lucanian invention. The Lucanian 'pecorino', a blend of 70% sheep's milk and 30% goat's milk which is aged …

Sassi di Matera: A great amphitheater of 10,000 years old

The term "Sassi" was used for the first time in 1204, referring at two picturesque neighborhoods known as the Sassi of Matera, whose extraordinarily original appearance has impressed travelers of all ages . Contrary to what one imagines, the “Sassi” were not a ghetto where people were relegated, it was just peculiar neighborhood where peoplebuild their housesinto the stones…

With the 'increase of the population, however, were overcrowded and the housing shortage had led many families to use as dwellings caves and cisterns are not of a requirement of habitability.
In 1993 Sassi di Matera were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first of the two Sassi, Sasso Barisano is rich in gardens, monasteries, houses the carved portals. The Caveoso, laid out like a Roman amphitheater. Entering in the dense residential streets you can appreciate the variety of spontaneous architecture rise through the centuries. To understand the uses and customs of the inhabitants of the old quarters of the Sassi of Matera before they drop, you can also visit a typical cave dwelling is furnished with antique furniture and equipment.

The Sassi of Matera, a town located in very poor water, they also represent an extraordinary example of wise use of natural resources and harmonious coexistence between the 'man and nature. Right from 'Bronze Age' s water was stored for long periods of drought, thanks to an ingenious system of collecting, funneling it through channels within tanks dug into the limestone. Gardens, hanging gardens and streets are often based on the roofs of the houses below, the houses are lit up by 'high; to' internal, thanks to the insulating properties of the tuff, the temperature remains constant at 15 degrees.

Bio Agriturismo Orto di Lucania - Matera

Agriturismo in Basilicata (Matera), swimming pool, restaurant, authentic atmosphere.

Orto di Lucania is one of the Agriturismo where I have had the pleasure of sleeping and trying the superb and rich biological breakfast. The day before, Cinzia and Fulvio had welcomed me in a family warm manner, and we had a long chat talking about our experiences. Actually that evening I had such a great honor to have a dinner with Fulvio in one of the oldest hosteria in Montescaglioso (which I truly recommend!), where I tasted excellent typical dishes from Lucania area. Ten kilometers from Matera (Basilicata) and thirty kilometers from the beaches along the Ionian Sea, l'Orto di Lucania - a real farm offering guest accommodation - is situated in a valley overlooking the town of Montescaglioso in the province of Matera, Basilicata. These Agriturismo grown vegetables are produced according to age-old traditional procedures and then packed into jars. Moreover, they offer accommodation in comfortable apartments for a full-immersion in nature, which is here characterized by bright sunlight, intense colors, breathtaking sunsets and a starry sky at night. Every apartment has a high ceiling, an outside private space with table and chairs and a well-kept garden. A wonderful swimming pool will make the holiday comfortable and relaxing, also on the warmest day of the season. On request the restaurant is available only for guests: biological products from Km 0 chain, typical dishes from the region. Thanks to Fulvio and Cinzia!

12 Lune - Matera

Bed&Breakfast in Matera (Sassi), special experience.

The old part of the city of Matera (Sassi) is one of the most peculiar example of how a community found its way to survive: the houses are completely excavated in rocks. Indeed, it has become Unesco World Heritage in 1993. When I arrived at the Bed&Breakfast in Matera 12 Lune, I was astonished. I had already seen pictures of the Sassi of Matera but I didn’t expect it to be so fascinating! Walking along the streets I could only imagine how life in the city must have been in those days. It’s really something worth visiting at least once. This part of the town has been also used as a set for several movies because of its peculiar architecture. The B&B 12 Lune is in the heart of the Sessi di Matera and all the rooms are reconverted to the old houses. Available also a huge room for group (up to 13 guests). The restaurant serves typical dishes from the tradition of Lucania.