Venue: Matera, Basilicata
Lens: Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Music: Now we are free (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9zxany7e10)
Our next stop after Alberobello was Matera, one of the main cities in the region of Basilicata where we decided to spend two nights. As already stated, Matera is not really in Puglia but is fairly nearby so that it makes sense to combine the trip. And it truly is worth the small detour as it is probably the most memorable and out-of-this-world place that I’ve visited in Italy. The history of Matera is really unique: it used to be an extremely poor place where people actually lived in cave-like houses called “sassi” up until the 50es of 20th century. The medieval conditions were considered inhumane even by the government of Italy so by a state law the people were actually moved out to completely new neighborhoods. So the old town with the sassi was deserted for a few decades before people starting realizing how unique the atmosphere is. Now it’s slowly being populated back and tourism is on the rise; in 2019 Matera became the European capital of culture together with Plovdiv (which you might have seen in https://kirilson.com/2018/06/03/southeast-bulgarian-road-trip-i-plovdiv/). Enough said – here are some photos showing you what Matera is really like.

















Stunning photos! I feel like I’m there. 😀
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Incredible pictures!!
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Reblogged this on Our Travel Blog.
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I enjoyed looking at your photos.
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Magazine-worthy work! But what’s up with that scary statue inside the church? Is it there to scare away sinners, maybe? 🙂
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I’ve heard of these caves. Your photos are all lovely, but my favorite is the first one. Gorgeous view.
janet
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Wow, such incredible photos! What a fascinating place Matera must be.
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Definitely a place to visit
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Since it was abandoned for some time, I would think that updated sewer and water lines would take time before it could be totally re-inhabited or is that already in place? It seems fascinating. Great photos.
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Your pics are beautiful! This must be an amazing place!
XOXO Reni
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Fabulous photos, it’s now on the bucket list 🙂
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Such a beautiful hillside! Love it.
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Fantastic
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bro its really amazing, and have also shared a you tube link its wonderful music. Keep it up
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I liked the café shot with ying yang table and a buddha statue in the window sill. And that in super catholic Italia! Go figure. 🙂
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Beautiful pics! 🙂
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I8
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It is very interesting to read about these different places you to to..
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amazing
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Such a unique place. Glad I stumbled onto this post.
Thanks!
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Great photos!! Really excited about seeing this wonderful place ourselves in June
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Enjoy!
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You are a pretty amazing photographer!
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