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Onward to Matera

2011.09.04

Looking Up

Just chillin'

Matera has gained international fame for its ancient town, the "Sassi di Matera" (meaning "stones of Matera").

The Sassi originate from a prehistoric (troglodyte) settlement, and are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. The Sassi are houses dug into the calcareous rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Apulia.

The ancient town grew in height on one slope of the ravine created by a river that is now a small stream. The ravine is known locally as "la Gravina". According to the English Fodor's guide:
“Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago."

Slightly used bicycle for sale....cheap

Something in the distance....check the next photograph to see what it is.

Ahaaaa...people!

Wheel from a wagon

Matera in infrared...

Because of the ancient and primitive scenery in and around the Sassi, it has been used by filmmakers as the setting for ancient Jerusalem. The following famous biblical period motion pictures were filmed in Matera: The Passion of the Christ, The Gospel according to St. Matthew, King David, The Nativity Story, La Lupa, The Star Maker and The Omen.

Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon

I don't know what you did to that bicycle but it certainly made a good pix... Lol

asiamack · 2011-09-04: 23:14

Very nice set! Awesome area!

unblinkingeye · 2011-09-04: 23:18

Interesting set! Hope you are enjoying your travels! #5 is my favorite!

darfoster · 2011-09-04: 23:28

#3 is just beautiful!

MelanieO · 2011-09-04: 23:40

Where in Italy is this place, Oscar? I will have to go and see this one day!

atszabo · 2011-09-04: 23:44

Wonderful set! I love #6 :)

Paradoxigal · 2011-09-05: 00:02

Really enjoying this ongoing series, Oscar! Keep 'em coming! =)

smbunation · 2011-09-05: 00:04

great set love 6#and9#

lmxg2011 · 2011-09-05: 01:06

A very interesting set on this place which seems rather incredible. Thanks for this sharing Oscar

josy63 · 2011-09-05: 01:24

Wonderful set Oscar! beautiful wok !Honestly, I'd like to see the first picture but the original, I love sculpture!

Davorka · 2011-09-05: 01:52

Excellent shots !!

finbarr · 2011-09-05: 02:45

These cave-dwellings became a scandal in the early 1950s... they were filthy and disease ridden...the cave house dwellers were removed by law to more modern accommodation above.
Informative photography...the region is also known as Lucania.

marilynx · 2011-09-05: 05:41