Italy cont ….. Basilicata

Onto the rugged region of Basilicata. We travel inland to MATERA, where primitive sassi (caves) exist under churches, perhaps inhabited 7000 years ago. The caves were home to the poor and living conditions abysmal. In the 1950’s Matera was denounced as the ‘Shame of Italy’ and the sassi dwellers were moved on. Only in later decades has the value of this town been recognised. A James Bond film was shot here and tourist infrastructure is growing. Let’s hope tourism is controlled to allow the essence and history of Matera to endure. Things to see - the 3 cave churches and their frescoes; Casa-Grotta Di Vico Solitario for a glimpse of life as it was in the sassi; the Museo della Scultura Contemporanea and the Palombaro Lungo - the giant cistern. I can recommend staying at the Corte San Pietro and eating at Osteria al Casale.

Now onto MARATEA, the centrepiece of Basilicata’s Tyrrhenian coast, a collection of placid coastal villages. Often now compared to the Amalfi coast but with less tourists and notably fewer non Italians. Visit the village of Maratea Borgo and climb to the Statue of Christ the Redeemer (only slightly smaller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer). Visit the Marina Di Maratea to take boat trips. For a splurge stay at Villa Cheta Elite in Aquafredda. Highly recommend Za Mariuccia for a meal overlooking the port.