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November 2016 Issue
Greetings!
This month we are highlighting our Southern Italy experience with a
POSTCARD FROM MATERA
Matera, Basilicata Italy 2016T winkling lights, the aromas ofwoodfired pizza and the chatterof al fresco diners entice youdown into the Sassi. Lured byyour senses, like other localMaterans, you descend the carvedstone steps to satisfy yourcuriosity. Delightfully surprised,you find yourself below the noiseand light of the city amongst theglow of tiny caves and narrowalleyways, charming cafes, boutique hotels and thermal spas.A fairytale of sorts, the place is magical and mysterious and begs you to wander further into itslabyrinth. But todays setting is much different than yesterday's…
Matera, located in the Basilicata region of Italy, was aremote location off the tourist map until 1993 whenUNESCO declared the Sassi Caves a world heritagesite "as the most outstanding, intact example of atroglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean". Inhabitedsince 7,000 B.C. the caves are believed to have beenhome to the Italian peninsula's first homo sapiens andconsidered the longest civilization known to live in thesame place as their ancestors.
The cave dwellers did not mix with the general Italianpopulation. They had their own way of life: a uniquedialect, their own songs, their own heirarchy. Theyworked the fields from morning to night and were anextremely sustainable people, collecting rainwater,sharing ovens and sharing the workload. Children didnot attend school and were sent to work at an earlyage. Sanitation wasn’t a priority and was oftenneglected as a result of cultural conditioning and lackof education. They believed that bathing removed dirtthat protected them from bugs and thereforewas considered unhealthy. Sheep, donkeys andchickens were kept inside the caves for addedwarmth and often slept in the same rooms as theirowners. Burial grounds were placed on higherelevations that resulted in contamination of watersupply in lower areas. Disease was rampant and
malaria thrived in the community. The infant mortality rate was high and short lifespans were thenorm.
I n 1935 Carlo Levi, a memberof the antifascist movement,was exiled to Aliano south ofMatera. After a year longexperience in Basilicata, hepublished a book called “ChristStopped at Eboli” describing thepoverty stricken conditions ofsouthern Italy. The widelytranslated book put Matera inthe national and internationalnews and was considered anembarrassment for the country. In 1952 the risanamento , or“the clean up” began and thegovernment ordered amandatory evacuation of theSassi district. Anticipating the
housing crisis that would ensue for the misplaced Sassi dwellers, the government attempted torecreate their environment in nearby community housing with stables and courtyards buteventually settled for generic apartment complexes that can be seen upon entry to Matera to thisday.
Local guide Nadia Garlatti tellsthe story of her father, a localMateran plumber, beingrepeatedly called for repairs tothe new government housing forclogged pipes. He foundbathtubs filled with soil andgrowing vegetables. The peoplehad been displaced but theywere unable to adapt to theindoor plumbing and electricityof the present day, nor did theywant to. The government wastrying to save them fromthemselves and nationalembarrassment but to little avail.
The Sassi began to repopulate in the 1980s when the caves were renovated into modern homes,hotels, shops and restaurants.
Try this typical Southern Italy ricetta Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (Orecchiette with BroccoliRabe)
1 lb of orecchiette (an artisanal brand from Puglia is best)2 bunches of broccoli rabe with outer leaves and stems removed45 tbsp extra virgin olive oil2 chopped garlic clovesa few anchovies packed in oil, mashedA generous pinch of red chili flakesSalt to taste
Place a pot of hot water on the boil . Blanch broccoli rabe for 2 minutes. Drain and cool in an ice water bath. Oncecool, chop into 1inch pieces and set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a largefrying pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, 3 teaspoons of anchovies and red pepper flakes. Cook until garlicbegins to color and anchovies dissolve into the sauce. Add broccoli rabe and sauté until thoroughly heated andslightly wilted. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add drained pasta and toss until coated withsauce for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as necessary, top with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and serve.
Discover the 'Sassi' and much more on our Amalfi Coast to Apulia tour!
2017 Tour DatesMay 26 June 7June 23 July 5September 8 20
September 22 October 4October 6 18
Book Now! Amalfi Coast to Apulia
WHAT'S NEW AT ART?
Featuring renowned art from the 17th to the 19thcenturies, the Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano in Naplesis an intimate and splendid museum in a stunningsetting. The jewel of the collection is Caravaggio’slast known painting: The Martyrdom of SaintUrsula. A pre Amalfi Coast to Apulia tour stay inNaples should include visits here and to theNational Archeological Museum.
The first Milan & Lombardia Tour in October wasa great success! Our 2017 dates are May 1224 andSept 29Oct 11. Click here for full description!
Our first stop on The Amalfi Coast to Apulia touris to the world famous excavations at Pompeii,where our visit now includes the recently reopenedHouse of the Geometric Mosaics.
Our Northern Spain trip will be inaugurated in Autumn 2018. Stay tuned for further details!
Website | FAQ | Maps | Links | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Visit our website
Amber Road Tours: Charleston, SC USA 8435792828 Campello sul Clitunno, Italy +390743224946
November 2016 Issue
Greetings!
This month we are highlighting our Southern Italy experience with a
POSTCARD FROM MATERA
Matera, Basilicata Italy 2016T winkling lights, the aromas ofwoodfired pizza and the chatterof al fresco diners entice youdown into the Sassi. Lured byyour senses, like other localMaterans, you descend the carvedstone steps to satisfy yourcuriosity. Delightfully surprised,you find yourself below the noiseand light of the city amongst theglow of tiny caves and narrowalleyways, charming cafes, boutique hotels and thermal spas.A fairytale of sorts, the place is magical and mysterious and begs you to wander further into itslabyrinth. But todays setting is much different than yesterday's…
Matera, located in the Basilicata region of Italy, was aremote location off the tourist map until 1993 whenUNESCO declared the Sassi Caves a world heritagesite "as the most outstanding, intact example of atroglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean". Inhabitedsince 7,000 B.C. the caves are believed to have beenhome to the Italian peninsula's first homo sapiens andconsidered the longest civilization known to live in thesame place as their ancestors.
The cave dwellers did not mix with the general Italianpopulation. They had their own way of life: a uniquedialect, their own songs, their own heirarchy. Theyworked the fields from morning to night and were anextremely sustainable people, collecting rainwater,sharing ovens and sharing the workload. Children didnot attend school and were sent to work at an earlyage. Sanitation wasn’t a priority and was oftenneglected as a result of cultural conditioning and lackof education. They believed that bathing removed dirtthat protected them from bugs and thereforewas considered unhealthy. Sheep, donkeys andchickens were kept inside the caves for addedwarmth and often slept in the same rooms as theirowners. Burial grounds were placed on higherelevations that resulted in contamination of watersupply in lower areas. Disease was rampant and
malaria thrived in the community. The infant mortality rate was high and short lifespans were thenorm.
I n 1935 Carlo Levi, a memberof the antifascist movement,was exiled to Aliano south ofMatera. After a year longexperience in Basilicata, hepublished a book called “ChristStopped at Eboli” describing thepoverty stricken conditions ofsouthern Italy. The widelytranslated book put Matera inthe national and internationalnews and was considered anembarrassment for the country. In 1952 the risanamento , or“the clean up” began and thegovernment ordered amandatory evacuation of theSassi district. Anticipating the
housing crisis that would ensue for the misplaced Sassi dwellers, the government attempted torecreate their environment in nearby community housing with stables and courtyards buteventually settled for generic apartment complexes that can be seen upon entry to Matera to thisday.
Local guide Nadia Garlatti tellsthe story of her father, a localMateran plumber, beingrepeatedly called for repairs tothe new government housing forclogged pipes. He foundbathtubs filled with soil andgrowing vegetables. The peoplehad been displaced but theywere unable to adapt to theindoor plumbing and electricityof the present day, nor did theywant to. The government wastrying to save them fromthemselves and nationalembarrassment but to little avail.
The Sassi began to repopulate in the 1980s when the caves were renovated into modern homes,hotels, shops and restaurants.
Try this typical Southern Italy ricetta Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (Orecchiette with BroccoliRabe)
1 lb of orecchiette (an artisanal brand from Puglia is best)2 bunches of broccoli rabe with outer leaves and stems removed45 tbsp extra virgin olive oil2 chopped garlic clovesa few anchovies packed in oil, mashedA generous pinch of red chili flakesSalt to taste
Place a pot of hot water on the boil . Blanch broccoli rabe for 2 minutes. Drain and cool in an ice water bath. Oncecool, chop into 1inch pieces and set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a largefrying pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, 3 teaspoons of anchovies and red pepper flakes. Cook until garlicbegins to color and anchovies dissolve into the sauce. Add broccoli rabe and sauté until thoroughly heated andslightly wilted. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add drained pasta and toss until coated withsauce for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as necessary, top with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and serve.
Discover the 'Sassi' and much more on our Amalfi Coast to Apulia tour!
2017 Tour DatesMay 26 June 7June 23 July 5September 8 20
September 22 October 4October 6 18
Book Now! Amalfi Coast to Apulia
WHAT'S NEW AT ART?
Featuring renowned art from the 17th to the 19thcenturies, the Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano in Naplesis an intimate and splendid museum in a stunningsetting. The jewel of the collection is Caravaggio’slast known painting: The Martyrdom of SaintUrsula. A pre Amalfi Coast to Apulia tour stay inNaples should include visits here and to theNational Archeological Museum.
The first Milan & Lombardia Tour in October wasa great success! Our 2017 dates are May 1224 andSept 29Oct 11. Click here for full description!
Our first stop on The Amalfi Coast to Apulia touris to the world famous excavations at Pompeii,where our visit now includes the recently reopenedHouse of the Geometric Mosaics.
Our Northern Spain trip will be inaugurated in Autumn 2018. Stay tuned for further details!
Website | FAQ | Maps | Links | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Visit our website
Amber Road Tours: Charleston, SC USA 8435792828 Campello sul Clitunno, Italy +390743224946
November 2016 Issue
Greetings!
This month we are highlighting our Southern Italy experience with a
POSTCARD FROM MATERA
Matera, Basilicata Italy 2016T winkling lights, the aromas ofwoodfired pizza and the chatterof al fresco diners entice youdown into the Sassi. Lured byyour senses, like other localMaterans, you descend the carvedstone steps to satisfy yourcuriosity. Delightfully surprised,you find yourself below the noiseand light of the city amongst theglow of tiny caves and narrowalleyways, charming cafes, boutique hotels and thermal spas.A fairytale of sorts, the place is magical and mysterious and begs you to wander further into itslabyrinth. But todays setting is much different than yesterday's…
Matera, located in the Basilicata region of Italy, was aremote location off the tourist map until 1993 whenUNESCO declared the Sassi Caves a world heritagesite "as the most outstanding, intact example of atroglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean". Inhabitedsince 7,000 B.C. the caves are believed to have beenhome to the Italian peninsula's first homo sapiens andconsidered the longest civilization known to live in thesame place as their ancestors.
The cave dwellers did not mix with the general Italianpopulation. They had their own way of life: a uniquedialect, their own songs, their own heirarchy. Theyworked the fields from morning to night and were anextremely sustainable people, collecting rainwater,sharing ovens and sharing the workload. Children didnot attend school and were sent to work at an earlyage. Sanitation wasn’t a priority and was oftenneglected as a result of cultural conditioning and lackof education. They believed that bathing removed dirtthat protected them from bugs and thereforewas considered unhealthy. Sheep, donkeys andchickens were kept inside the caves for addedwarmth and often slept in the same rooms as theirowners. Burial grounds were placed on higherelevations that resulted in contamination of watersupply in lower areas. Disease was rampant and
malaria thrived in the community. The infant mortality rate was high and short lifespans were thenorm.
I n 1935 Carlo Levi, a memberof the antifascist movement,was exiled to Aliano south ofMatera. After a year longexperience in Basilicata, hepublished a book called “ChristStopped at Eboli” describing thepoverty stricken conditions ofsouthern Italy. The widelytranslated book put Matera inthe national and internationalnews and was considered anembarrassment for the country. In 1952 the risanamento , or“the clean up” began and thegovernment ordered amandatory evacuation of theSassi district. Anticipating the
housing crisis that would ensue for the misplaced Sassi dwellers, the government attempted torecreate their environment in nearby community housing with stables and courtyards buteventually settled for generic apartment complexes that can be seen upon entry to Matera to thisday.
Local guide Nadia Garlatti tellsthe story of her father, a localMateran plumber, beingrepeatedly called for repairs tothe new government housing forclogged pipes. He foundbathtubs filled with soil andgrowing vegetables. The peoplehad been displaced but theywere unable to adapt to theindoor plumbing and electricityof the present day, nor did theywant to. The government wastrying to save them fromthemselves and nationalembarrassment but to little avail.
The Sassi began to repopulate in the 1980s when the caves were renovated into modern homes,hotels, shops and restaurants.
Try this typical Southern Italy ricetta Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (Orecchiette with BroccoliRabe)
1 lb of orecchiette (an artisanal brand from Puglia is best)2 bunches of broccoli rabe with outer leaves and stems removed45 tbsp extra virgin olive oil2 chopped garlic clovesa few anchovies packed in oil, mashedA generous pinch of red chili flakesSalt to taste
Place a pot of hot water on the boil . Blanch broccoli rabe for 2 minutes. Drain and cool in an ice water bath. Oncecool, chop into 1inch pieces and set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a largefrying pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, 3 teaspoons of anchovies and red pepper flakes. Cook until garlicbegins to color and anchovies dissolve into the sauce. Add broccoli rabe and sauté until thoroughly heated andslightly wilted. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add drained pasta and toss until coated withsauce for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as necessary, top with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and serve.
Discover the 'Sassi' and much more on our Amalfi Coast to Apulia tour!
2017 Tour DatesMay 26 June 7June 23 July 5September 8 20
September 22 October 4October 6 18
Book Now! Amalfi Coast to Apulia
WHAT'S NEW AT ART?
Featuring renowned art from the 17th to the 19thcenturies, the Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano in Naplesis an intimate and splendid museum in a stunningsetting. The jewel of the collection is Caravaggio’slast known painting: The Martyrdom of SaintUrsula. A pre Amalfi Coast to Apulia tour stay inNaples should include visits here and to theNational Archeological Museum.
The first Milan & Lombardia Tour in October wasa great success! Our 2017 dates are May 1224 andSept 29Oct 11. Click here for full description!
Our first stop on The Amalfi Coast to Apulia touris to the world famous excavations at Pompeii,where our visit now includes the recently reopenedHouse of the Geometric Mosaics.
Our Northern Spain trip will be inaugurated in Autumn 2018. Stay tuned for further details!
Website | FAQ | Maps | Links | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Visit our website
Amber Road Tours: Charleston, SC USA 8435792828 Campello sul Clitunno, Italy +390743224946
