Leaving Naples was really something, in some sense I was overwhelmed with so much stuff going on from traffic, culture, people, etc.. You know flying into another country by yourself for the first time and thinking that you're fully prepared for everything that comes at you, that's not easy to deal with at first but you adapt to some degree. Definitely, I felt like I was in elementary for the first day of school and not knowing anyone, can create anxiety. I did meet alot of people and became friends with but I was ready to move on to my next adventure. You know when you hear or see pictures about a specific place that is very unique that makes you really wonder about it at first, till you experience the surroundings in person.
That is what 'Sassi' Matera is all about, welcome to the world of homes and buildings made out of stones straight from the ground that sits on a hill top. This is such a magical environment, you almost have an at ease and awe feeling while you navigate yourself in this giant maze of intrigue. Getting here is not really easy unless you have a car, its in a remote area south east of Naples in the region called Basilicata and taking the train will take twice as long due to transfers from stations. I took a direct route bus to the modern city of Matera for which I ended walking to the Sassi cause mainly I had a camping style backpack and a camera bag, plus I wanted to save money from spending on public transportation and its good excercise.
I did get lost trying to find my hotel since it was on the other side of the Sassi, but eventually I found it after walking around in the dark for maybe an hour and half. Though I was relishing in the room I was staying at, I could of saved money and stayed in a hotel in the modern part of the city but the whole experience was to sleep and breathe in this cave like home.
Back in the 60s the Sassi was considered inhabitable and the residents had to move in the modern city since the local government didn't feel it was needed to be restored for many years of deterioration. For 30+ years nothing was done till an author wrote about the place while being exhiled in the deserted town. Then by late 90s the government finally made the decision to restore the 'Sassi' so that people can live there and you might have or have not known that Mel Gibson's 'Passion of Christ' was filmed there.
The view was nothing but spectacular, I even made the trek across this adjacent ravine toward the opposite hill like mountain to capture pictures and film of this unbelievable view of this town. The journey was risky of course, cause I could've slipped and fall down this steep hill on both sides. I actually did slipped on a stone and almost fell into the water with a decent current heading towards my me while carrying two cameras.
The vibe of this place feels so special like I was invited to a big family gathering dinner and you can sense the rich history in the air here. I only stayed there for 2 nights but it felt like I was there much longer, I highly suggest anyone to visit this place, this was definitely one of my highlights of my trip by far.
Walking around the steps of the Sassi di Matera
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