Family Adventure in Matera: Exploring Italy's Ancient Wonders

A Journey Through Time: Our Final Day in Matera

As our family adventure in Matera nears its end, I find myself filled with a mix of contentment and a touch of melancholy. This ancient city, with its captivating Sassi and rich history, has woven its way into our hearts. Today, we set out to explore the remaining gems on our itinerary, determined to soak in every last bit of Matera's unique charm. It's hard to believe our Italian escapade is almost over, but I'm committed to making these final hours unforgettable for Isabela, Mateus, and myself.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at La Lopa. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Italian coffee filled the air, instantly invigorating us for the day ahead. Mateus, as always, was particularly excited about the pastries, and Isabela enjoyed a quiet moment, savoring her cappuccino. It’s these simple pleasures, shared with my loved ones, that truly make a trip memorable.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we embarked on our first adventure of the day: a visit to Metaponto. This small town, a *frazione* of Bernalda, is steeped in ancient history, originally founded by Greek settlers. As a historical building restoration consultant, I was particularly drawn to the archaeological site. The Palatine Tables, remnants of a once-grand Greek temple, stood proudly against the clear blue sky. It was fascinating to imagine the bustling ancient city that once thrived here, a key player in Magna Graecia. Mateus, initially more interested in running around the open space, soon became captivated by the stories of ancient Greeks and their battles. Isabela and I strolled hand in hand, marveling at the enduring legacy of this historical site.


Discover the enchanting Metaponto: where ancient ruins meet stunning beaches in the heart of Southern Italy.

Travel is more than seeing sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

After immersing ourselves in the ancient world of Metaponto, we made our way back to Matera, eager to experience the vibrant heart of the city: Piazza Vittorio Veneto. This bustling square is the true center of Matera, a place where locals and tourists alike gather to soak in the atmosphere. Lined with charming cafes and shops, the piazza offered a perfect spot to observe the rhythm of Matera life. We watched as children played, couples strolled, and vendors displayed their wares. The architecture surrounding the piazza was a beautiful blend of historical periods, a testament to Matera's layered past.


Discover the allure of Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Matera, a vibrant cultural hub with stunning views and local cuisine.

As we wandered through Piazza Vittorio Veneto, we stumbled upon Incampo Boutique, a local shop known for its curated selection of women's clothing and accessories. Isabela, with her keen eye for style, was immediately drawn inside. While she explored the boutique, Mateus and I enjoyed some gelato at a nearby cafe, watching the world go by. It was a perfect example of how travel can cater to everyone's interests, blending cultural exploration with personal enjoyment.


Discover the essence of Italian fashion at Incampo Boutique in Matera, featuring a curated selection of women's clothing and stylish accessories.

For lunch, we savored the flavors of Ristorante Pizzeria Van Gogh. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and delicious pizzas provided a welcome respite from our explorations. Mateus, a devoted pizza enthusiast, declared it the best pizza he had ever tasted. Isabela and I shared a bottle of local wine, toasting to our incredible journey through Matera. It's these shared meals, filled with laughter and good food, that create lasting family memories.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Pizzeria Van Gogh in Matera - renowned for its delicious pizzas and fresh seafood.

Our final stop for the day was Cava Del Sole, a unique venue that once served as a quarry and has since been transformed into an outdoor event space. I was intrigued by the idea of a performance space carved into the rock, a testament to Matera's ability to blend its ancient past with modern innovation. Although there wasn't a specific event taking place during our visit, we were able to explore the grounds and imagine the concerts and performances that have graced this stage. The sheer scale of the space was impressive, and Mateus enjoyed running around and exploring the different levels. I thought about how this space was used for the European Capital of Culture events back in 2019. It was a fitting end to our exploration of Matera, a city that constantly surprises and inspires.


Discover the enchanting Cava Del Sole in Matera, a concert hall carved from rock offering unforgettable music experiences surrounded by stunning landscapes.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the Sassi, we made our way to Dedalo - Sensi sommersi for our farewell dinner. This restaurant, known for its innovative cuisine and intimate atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for our final Matera meal. We savored each dish, reflecting on the incredible experiences we had shared over the past few days. From exploring the ancient cave dwellings to discovering hidden gems in the city center, Matera had exceeded all of our expectations.


Discover Dedalo - Sensi sommersi in Matera: where exquisite cuisine meets elegant ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.

Before heading back to Hydria Residence, we took one last stroll through the Sassi. The city was bathed in the soft light of the moon, creating a magical and unforgettable scene. We held hands, promising to cherish these memories forever. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel, to experience new cultures, and to share these adventures with my family.


Discover Hydria Residence, your budget-friendly oasis in Matera, providing comfort, convenience, and family-friendly amenities for all travelers.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey back home to Kingston. While I'm eager to return to the familiar comforts of home, I know that a part of me will always remain in Matera. This ancient city has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with my family. As I prepare to write my final blog post about our Italian adventure, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the memories we've created and the lessons we've learned. Matera, you will be missed.

I am already anticipating sharing all of these experiences with my readers, hoping to inspire them to embark on their own adventures and discover the hidden gems of the world. Perhaps one day, they too will find themselves captivated by the magic of Matera.

As I reflect on our time in Matera, I am reminded of a quote by Mark Twain:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

This quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our family adventure in Matera. We embraced the unknown, explored new horizons, and created memories that will last a lifetime. And as we prepare to return home, I know that this is just the beginning of our journey.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure. Until next time, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep discovering!

I look forward to sharing more stories from our travels soon. Ciao!