Matera - A Journey to the Past and back
- Tobias Heller
- 23. Okt. 2016
- 4 Min. Lesezeit
After an unwanted stopover and a great unexpected though tiresome and short night in a car in Taranto I finally take the bus I missed the previous day from Taranto's bus station to Matera. I don't even know really what to expect there, I merely follow recommendations given to me, hopefully being led in a place that is worth the effort of going there. The information that has been passed on to me is that it has been a special set for various movies and is part of the Unesco cultural heritage. The bus leaves early in the morning, leaving me enough time to explore parts of Matera on the same day.
Sightseeing & City
What did I expect?
Once I arrive at the far end of Matera at the bus station and start walking to the far end, where my hostel is located, I feel like this city isn't overly too special. I walk along a broad street, schools, playgrounds and housing areas all along the way. When I leave the street, the way leads down and signs lead into the old center, called 'Sassi di Matera'. And suddenly a terrific view opens up, that makes my jaw drop instantly. Right in front of me indeed lies the ancient city center - and oh lord, the expression ancient seems to be made for this city!
Sightseeing & City
The Time Machine - A Getaway
After I dropped of my bag in the Hostel, I return to the initial point, giving the place I just landed in a closer look. From this Viewpoint I can see over to the indeed ancient part of Matera and it astonishes me, moreover makes me gasp about the obvious time travel I must have done. The houses are jammed together tightly as I have witnessed in many other italian cities, also did I see the ancient ruins of Pompeji, but this is neither the one nor the other. Those habitations with their sand colored walls seem to be standing here for ages and ages, the facades are built by heavy bricks, blotched and smudgy as if there would have been a fire evaporating grime up in to the air that put a layer of carbon dust over all of the buildings, giving it the decayed appearance. Indeed I feel like having done time travels, as I start walking the small streets, passing by the noticeable housetop surfaces laid out with differently earth-colored roof tiles.
What amazes me the most is, that people actually live their daily life here. As fantastic this place is, I wouldn't be able to stay here for long. I could not stand this monochromatic decadence for long, whilst exploring the area as a mere tourist is fun and offers great new perspectives and opens up the door for my imagination to roam freely. What adds to the slightly dull feeling is the gloomy sky, completely overcast in grey clouds.
Strolling & Viewpoint
Hello from the other side
Right next to the city's old center the outskirts end abruptly and descend into a steep fall down in a rugged cliff, opening up into a valley that drops down a few hundred meter. It is overgrown by grass surfaces and from up above stairs lead down onto one of the several sandy paths going back and forth that go up the other side of the valley. I can see some others already walking along the small pathways that climb up ways, and also climb down the stairs to go over there.
After a soft climb into the little valley, I follow the blubbering river until I am able to cross over a simple suspension bridge. All along the way up I encounter huge various open caves, which I could already spot from the city's point of view. All day the grey dense clouds wouldn't allow the sun to go through, but mainly I am happy to stay dry so far. I finally, after maybe one hour of walking, arrive at the top of the other side, which offers a nice view to the city, with the church's tower sticking out of all the other buildings.From here apparently further paths lead deeper inland, with apparently nothing else in reach than empty hills covered with grasses and checkered with stones of divers sizes. Because of that, and because of my growling stomach I start back to civilization.
Viewpoint & Night Stroll
Matera at night - From dusk till dawn
Armed with my camera I get out late at night for a late walking hour around the city, which lies amidst a cloud of dense fog, halfway engulfing the city. The cities lights shine up from above my the observing point, where I arrived at my first day. The atmosphere is great, the walls of the houses are lit-up and therefore have the appearance of emitting an inherent radiant glow all by themselves. Visiting Matera definitive was worth it and it leaves a deep impression and phenomenal memories about this the city of Matera.
Kommentare