Matera

It took us 6hrs to reach Bari from Sorrento.

From Sorrento - Naples - Caserta - Bari.

 

After we stepped out of the train station. There are no signs to FAL (Ferrovie Appulo Lucane) station. We finally found it after asking a few local. The station is under revamped.

After getting out of the station, turn left to a yellow building and turn left again, you will find the FAL station. 

 

When reached we bought our ticket, went up to the platform, there are 4 platforms but no indication.

No screen display, board display, and we were unsure which platform should we wait for our train. Tried asking station staff and other people but communication here in southern Italy is a problem. Most of them don't understand or speak English.

 

We are lucky that we met a elderly Italian man who doesn't speak English but very helpful. 

By telling him Matera and showing him, he guided us to the correct platform and tell us to wait there. When the train approaching he signal us not to go up yet and lead us to the end of the platform till the last coach. And helped us carry up our luggage to the coach!!!

 

After boarding the train, realized that some coach doesn't have air-conditioning.

We are so lucky to met a kind soul and lead us to the newer and air con coach.

It will be a 1hr 30mins journey.

The train supposed to bring us to Matera Centrale Station but it stopped half way at Villa Longo Station. We stayed on the train till the train officer chased us down:(

We don't understand what is he talking about and we just followed the group and board another bus.

 

And finally we reached Matera Centrale Station.

Total journey time from Sorrento: 8hrs.

There are a few streets and we are too tired to explore dragging our luggage. So we took a cab (10eur) to our hotel in Sassi City.

Although our hotel say it only takes 5-6 mins walk from train station. It appears a lot more than that. Need to walk to Piazza Vittoria Veneto, then stairs down to Sassi City.

 

Locanda si San Martino



Our hotel is right in the centre of Sassi.

Relatively small room, the only opening is the door. There is a small panel on the door which can be open up to have a view on the city. This is one of the most expensive hotel we stayed in this trip. Honestly, not much of a surprise to us except staying in a cave.

 

Room 21



Torrente Gravina

Casa Grotta

The church of San Pietro Caveoso (St Peter's and Paul's Church)



We met a priest here and he brought us to his office and open up the windows for us to take some photos.

Have a break in a cafe at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso.

 

Mixed salad (7eur)

Different from the normal salad we ate before.



One of the best view of Sassi next to Palazzo Lanfranchi.

Piazza Pascoli

 

I Vizi Degli Angeli

Nice gelato, we had pistachio, peach, cookies and cream.

 



Duomo

Entrance to Sassi from Piazza Vittoria Veneto

Piazza Vittoria Veneto

Saturday daytime hardly can find any souls but it is very crowded during the evening time.

View from Piazza Pascoli

Dinner @ Il Cantuccio

It is very near to Via Del Corso, which is the main shopping street.

 

As the server don't speak English and there are no English menu, the chef came up and recommend us this 2 dishes.

Stewed Lamb, infused with herbs and potatoes.

Ravioli

 

And don't miss their bread, one of the best we had in Italy. It is slight salty with a lots of holes in the bread.



 

 

Dinner @ Trattoria del Caveoso

 

The menu does not have these 2 items on the menu but they will serve upon request.

 Agnello alla Brace (Grilled Lamb)

Tagliatelle al Tartufo (Tagliatelle with Truffles)

They are so generous with their truffles!

Breakfast counter in our hotel

Thermal Spa in our hotel

I thought it suppose to be warm but the pool is cold!

Nothing amazing except we are require to pay 10eur even we are the guest.



View outside from our room.

Matera is definitely worth visit despite the long journey.

Waiting for our midnight bus, Marozzivt (35eur) to Rome at Villa Vongo.

Bus schedule at 2359hrs.

 

It suppose is a direct bus but it dropped us at a petrol station for a transfer at 2am.

Waiting for the transfer bus for 40mins is not kidding, the wind is chilling and we are all waiting outdoor. It became a norm thing that the public transport changes as and when they like.