Castellana Grotte, Apulia, ItalyThe ferry schedule wouldn't get us to Salerno in time so it's the bus! We caught the 10:20 bus from Maiori (standing room only) to Salerno -- got to experience a bit of the 'driving the Amalfi Coast' experience.
Picking up the car in Salerno was an experience, too! As was trying to get out of Salerno ... a few missed turns (yes, Google Maps) but before too long we were on the road towards Alberobello and eventually, after a few wrong turns our host met us and lead the way to our B&B in Castellana Grande (yes, there's a story there that I'm sure Gary will elaborate on).
So, we're staying in a Trullo! A little hard on the head going in & out and not a lot of room inside either. However, when in Trulli Country where else would one stay.
The Trulli of Alberobello were declared a World Heritage Site in December 1996. They are a dry stone, conical construction. The oldest date back to the 17th century. We visited Alberobello, wandering the lanes.
There are about 400 Trulli in the Rione Aia Picolla area and 1000 in Rione Monte. Although most are now restaurants or souvenir shops, they're still impressive.
Quick stops in Lacorotondo and Cisternino. It's Sunday and siesta time so not much open. We then tried to see the 'white city' of Ostuni but couldn't find a way into town without entering one of those dreaded ZTL zones (Limited Traffic Zone).
Happy Birthday, Gary!
Monday we headed in the direction of Matera. The Sassi of Matera are two districts of Matera (Caveoso and Barisano) made up of rock buildings built in the natural quarries of the Murgia of Matera. The 'city of stone' has been inhabited since 1204 (the bronze age) except for a forced displacement in the 1950's.
The temperature was up to the mid-30's, a little steamy for climbing stairs and walking around so we stopped after a couple of hours, and didn't cover all of the two districts.
We had a great lunch of local cheeses, meats, wines and beers before heading back to our little Trullo.
Tuesday, before driving on to Ortranto, a quick tour of the Grotte di Castellana, discovered in 1938 by Franco Anelli and subsequently explored with Vito Matarrese. They are estimated to have begun forming about 90 million years ago. So ... 2 hours, 3km, and a guided tour more than 60 meters deep. Stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, fossils, canyons and caves. Spectacular! We walked through 12 distinct caves however, were only allowed to take photos in the first cave ... The Grave...the abyss that gives access to the rest of the system, measuring 60 meters deep, 50 wide and 100 long.
Julia
2018-09-19
Happy Birthday to Gary! Love reading your travelogue. Julia