Civita in Matera: A Journey Through Time

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dee-spyah-che]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-scoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vah-tteh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh kohs-tah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel prehts-soh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Le dieci e mezza
  [leh dyeh-chee eh mehts-sah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [ee-eh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [dweh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-ttroh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoh-ee mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Civita, the oldest part of Matera, has roots that stretch back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation since the Paleolithic era. The area's unique rock formations provided natural shelters, leading to the establishment of some of the earliest communities in the region. The Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents the evolution of these prehistoric settlements into a complex urban landscape.

During the Byzantine period, Civita became a significant religious center, with the establishment of numerous churches and monasteries. The rock-cut churches, adorned with Byzantine frescoes, showcase the blend of faith and artistry that characterized this era. By the Middle Ages, Civita was fortified, reflecting the need for protection amid the turbulent political landscape of southern Italy.

In the 16th century, as Matera expanded, Civita began to flourish as a socio-economic hub. The population grew, leading to the construction of new buildings and the development of trade routes. The Sassi became populated with cave dwellings (sassi) that were intricately carved into the limestone, representing a unique adaptation to the environment and a distinct architectural style that is still celebrated today.

Post-World War II, Civita, like much of Matera, faced significant challenges. The living conditions in the sassi were dire, leading to widespread abandonment. By the 1950s, the Italian government intervened, relocating residents and initiating a campaign to rehabilitate the area. This period marked a stark contrast to the earlier vibrancy of Civita, as it fell into neglect and decay.

In the late 20th century, efforts to restore Civita and the surrounding Sassi gained momentum, culminating in recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. This sparked a cultural renaissance, transforming Civita into a center for artists, filmmakers, and tourists. Today, the neighborhood is celebrated for its cultural heritage, hosting festivals, art exhibitions, and culinary events that honor its rich history while looking towards a sustainable future.

Civita is located in the heart of Matera, easily accessible from other neighborhoods such as Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. You can reach Civita on foot, as the city is compact, and walking is the best way to soak in the historical architecture. If you are coming from the Matera train station, it's about a 20-minute walk or you can take a local taxi for a quicker route.

Civita is best explored on foot due to its narrow, winding streets. There are no trains or buses that operate within the neighborhood itself. Bicycles can be rented from various shops in Matera if you wish to explore beyond Civita. Taxis are also available for trips to other parts of Matera or nearby attractions.

Civita is generally a safe area for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as in any tourist destination, it is advisable to remain vigilant. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. While no specific high-crime areas exist, it is wise to stay cautious and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, 118 for medical emergencies, and 115 for fire services. Local hospitals and medical clinics are available in Matera. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies can be found throughout the city for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets, and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful; don't eat or drink on public transit. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'; don't be overly loud or disruptive. Eating & Drinking: Do savor local cuisine and accept food offers; don't waste food or be rude about the offerings.

To experience Civita like a local, visit the small artisan shops and local markets, where you can find handmade crafts and traditional foods. Engage with the local residents, who are often eager to share stories about the area's rich history. Don't miss the chance to try local specialties like 'pane di Matera' and 'caciocavallo' cheese. Join a local cooking class or food tour to delve deeper into the culinary traditions of the region.