Matera 17.05

After five days of intensive Italian lessons, it was time to say 'arriverderci' to Elisabetta at La Piccola Scuola.  Such great lessons and encouragement which led to rapid improvement over the week. 
A final chance to see aspects of the city I had missed..
First a very interesting presentation about the story of Matera , held inside one of the rock houses, Casa NOHA. I have gradually learnt more and more about this truly: rags to riches 'tale. From the fifties when Italy was ashamed of the homes and conditions people were living in, to the majestic city which was voted city of culture in 2019. What a rapid turnaround and unbelievable changes for so many families who were moved out of their homes to purpose built appartment blocks, so that their homes could be restored.
An Airbnb for sale close to the Duomo. Not for me. I couldn't cope with so many stairs!
I am not a massive fan of grandiose cathedrals, but nevertheless marvel at how they were built and can remain in such pristine condition. I struggle to cope with the treasures and gold in the church when many are starving.
The part I really admired was a massive wall with a nativity scene and in front of this, under glass, we could see remnants of archeological sites of churches within the church. 
Time for a Spritz, but this time a Limoncello spritz. Delicious, but a little too sweet. 
However, the best thing about the bar, apart from the super friendly staff and drinks, was undoubtedly the people watching and meeting. People amble don't rush, chatting, laughing, escorting dogs of all shapes and sizes. There are groups of elderly gentlemen, often in suits, hands in pockets, enjoying the company of like- minded people. Then there are the sophisticated ladies with their high heels, walking amazingly steadily on the slippery cobblestone. A true balancing act! 
My final day was a hot one, about 30 degrees. It was a good chance to go underground to visit the city's biggest cistern, which held 5 million litres of water. It's a truly remarkable structure being 60 metres deep and very long. 
I had lunch in the shade, trying some local specialities of eggplant and also peppers. I had a good view of the restaurant I have grown to love and where I would go that evening.
Fortunately, I had booked my tour of the Sassi for 4.30 so it had cooled down considerably. Giuseppe was our guide , a bit weary I felt, actually no wonder after guiding in the heat of the day. Poor guy.  Anyway, it was a very interesting and factual tour of the Sassi and a rock church and home. We took some steeper steps down, new for me.He showed us some examples of how homes had looked before the clean up and restoration.
These figures, looking down the steps at us, reminded me of the pottery at Guarda in Switzerland.
The Murgia looked even more stunning with the clear blue sky overhead. What a breathtaking place. Love it
It was fascinating to see how the rock homes had been. All the family in one room, with heater in the middle and the animals also in the house. Sometimes families with 8 children could live in one home, though the mortality rate was extremely high.

The rock face outside the home 
And very cute little restaurant next door.
This rock looks so much like a llama head with a fancy bouquet on top
A final look at these magnificent rock churches which I visited in 2019. This Square became even more famous after the latest James Bond film, No time to die.  
So I savour for a last time this spectacular view of the homes built over many centuries. What a truly fascinating place this is. I hope for its sake it can cope with the mass tourism, more than 1 million visitors last year. 
Brilliant week from start to finish. I can honestly say I think I did justice to this very special place I called home for 6 days. 

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