There are no words to describe Matera. Even pictures are too small and contained. Video is not bad, but it’s still hard to capture.
The old city is deep in what looks like a limestone quarry stretching over miles, with carved stone homes and businesses connected by uneven cobblestone paths, curving stairs and mysterious tunnels.
We visited one of the homes that has been remade in the fashion of those who lived there – up till the 1960s! They had their animals with them indoors, pots to piss in, and a tall bed to keep you and your children up off the cold, humid stone floor. Each home has at least one of these charming circular cut-outs on the front (that are on sale everywhere), that let cool breezes in.
The hair-raising opener for James Bond’s No Time to Die was filmed in Matera:
More posts from this awesome trip:
- Tell us all about what’s to see in Naples!
- Is there anything interesting just outside Naples?
- That fancy Amalfi Coast – is it worth it?
- What made you decide to go to these small towns in Basilicata?
Keri, thank you so much for sharing your photos and your adventures. I absolutely love it. I get to take a trip and visit places through your wonderful pictures and a view through your eyes and words. Thank you for the time you take to share. I LOVE seeing all the beauty and ways of people all over this world. Places I would other wise never have the chance to know or see. You are MY Rick Steves!!!!