Visiting Matera was an interesting day trip. What a unique place. It’s unlike anything I have ever seen before. This city has been inhabited for thousands of years. Continuously! It’s really incredible and the views are stunning. Once called the “shame of Italy” by an Italian Prime Minister in the 1950s, Matera is now a growing cultural site and tourist destination. These ancient cave dwellings, which are mostly hotels and B&Bs now, were once overcrowded and impoverished slums. The history is sad, but Matera has made quite a turn around in a short period of time.

View of the gorge

My friend Teena had recommended we visit this place. We knew we’d have to carry Thibault in the Ergo and Flora would have to do a lot of walking because you can’t get very far without hiking some stairs. I was so proud of Flora. She walked everywhere and was so excited to learn about these cave dwellings.

We went to a  museum that replicated what it was like to live in a cave dwelling. Things were going smoothly until Thibault cut his finger on some artifacts and started bleeding, which we couldn’t stop for about 20 minutes, so a little drama ensued. Mostly created by myself. We decided to abandon ship, our beautiful walk around Matera, and head for lunch. I guess when you’re in Matera you should eat at Soul Kitchen. It was recommended by my friend, our host at the trulli, and Lonely Planet. But alas, Thibault was injured, Flora was getting tired, and we needed something fast! Luckily we found this delicious focacceria right on the main street of Domenica Ridola. Delicious focaccias and sandwiches! Plus, the young baker was blasting Foo Fighters music. Even better!