Took a ride around the neighborhood of Matera yesterday, covering about 50 miles in total. We drove down the hill toward the coast, the Ionian Sea coast or the Golfo Taranto. The adjacent plain has been formed over millenia by the drainage of 5 rivers, descending from the mountains to the north. All 5 rivers were well known sources of water by early Mediterrnean navigators.
Some of the first settlers came from Asia Minor, or Persia, or modern day Turkey. They were followed by Greeks from across the Adriatic. They created a thriving series of small cities taking advantage of good soil, abundant water, and very mild winters. Metaponto and Policoro, two modern replacements, have built museums to house the many artifacts discovered over the years, many in just the last 20 years. These local sites are home to national and world treasures from the time of the Greek culture in ascendancy.
The examples of art, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, and personal effects are stunning. The museums themselves are well situated and well maintained. Using state of the art lighting, climate control, and security, the Italians have ensured that these priceless objects will be seen for many years to come.
The highway along the coast is in great shape: smooth running all the way, to and from. At this time of year, not much traffic. We hear that summer on the south coast is jampacked. We did not see anything resembling a crowd. Quite the contrary.
Today, the Mayor and deputy mayor will visit Puglia, and Lecce, and stop in Alberobello, a small town noted for its Trulli, the conical shaped houses tha are common to Puglia. It should prove intersting after spending 4 nights i a cave in the Sassi of Matera.
Buona Giornata
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