We again hopped on board a train at Rome Termini to Bari then a short taxi to the airport to catch a bus to Matera. Remember the opening scenes of the James Bond movie “A Time to Die”?  It was partially filmed in Matera!  You will recognize it! 

Matera, is on the edge of the southern province of Puglia.  The city may be the world’s third longest continuously inhabited human settlement.  Natural caves in the tufa limestone are built on top of one another and  several churches are scattered throughout the city.  It’s a hilly charming town that is a must.  We hauled our suitcases up and down to the top of  beautiful Locanda di San Martino.  Highlights of the city include a Salvador Dalí museum in an old monastery and a bread making session. 

Appalling poverty led to Matera being labeled the ‘shame of Italy’ in the 1950’s but redevelopment led the city to be recognized as a European Capital of Culture.

 We learned about the ancient art of bread making in the city.  They started with communal ovens and every family had their own stamp on their bread.  Large loaves were made to last the week. Eventually artists emerged that are active today.