The Enchanting Sasso Caveoso of Matera

• 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/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-sah]
• 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-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-dehr-ray 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!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doh-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 koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-ttee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (nella mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-tahr-mee (neh-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-shee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyeh-ttoh (pehr)]

Sasso Caveoso, one of the two principal districts of Matera, has roots that trace back to prehistoric times. Archaeological discoveries indicate that the area was populated as early as the Paleolithic period, with cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs. These early inhabitants utilized the natural caves for shelter and storage, setting the stage for the unique troglodyte lifestyle that would characterize the region.

During the Byzantine period, Sasso Caveoso flourished as a religious and cultural hub. The construction of numerous rock-cut churches and monasteries, such as the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, showcases the area’s significance in the spread of Christianity across southern Italy. The unique architectural style of these churches reflects the blending of Byzantine and local influences, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the region.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Matera came under Spanish rule, which significantly impacted the cultural and architectural landscape of Sasso Caveoso. The Spanish introduced baroque elements to the existing structures, resulting in a unique fusion of styles. This period also saw an increase in economic activity, with the area becoming a center for agriculture and trade, further establishing its importance within the region.

The mid-20th century marked a dark period for Sasso Caveoso, as the living conditions in the cave dwellings drew national and international attention. The Italian government labeled the sassi as the 'shame of Italy' due to widespread poverty and lack of sanitation. This resulted in a mass evacuation of the population in the 1950s, leading to the abandonment of many historic homes and churches.

The late 20th century witnessed a renaissance for Sasso Caveoso. In 1993, Matera was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural significance and architectural uniqueness. Restoration efforts began to revive the sassi, attracting tourism and new residents. The area has since transformed into a vibrant community, blending traditional lifestyles with modern amenities, while preserving its historical character.

Sasso Caveoso is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Matera. The main access point is the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where you can take a short walk (about 15 minutes) downhill through the historic streets. Alternatively, local taxis are available for a quick ride. If you're arriving by train, the Matera Centrale station is about 3 kilometers away, and you can use a taxi or public bus to reach the Sassi area.

Sasso Caveoso is a pedestrian-friendly area, and walking is the best way to explore its narrow cobbled streets. While there are no trains or buses operating within Sasso Caveoso, taxis are available for longer trips. Bicycles can be rented in town, but be mindful of the steep terrain. For those looking to explore further afield, consider a guided tour or local shuttle services that connect to nearby attractions.

Sasso Caveoso is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. While violent crime is rare, petty theft, including pickpocketing, can occur in busy tourist spots. It is advisable to avoid poorly lit alleys at night and keep your belongings secure. Be cautious near the edge of cliffs or steep drop-offs, particularly in less-traveled areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in the main square, and there are several medical facilities in Matera. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available, and they can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; covering your head is required when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful on public transport; don’t eat or drink. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake; a friendly smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes; don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Sasso Caveoso like a local, explore the local markets for fresh produce and artisan goods. Engage with the community; locals are often eager to share their stories and knowledge about the area. Don’t miss trying traditional dishes at family-run trattorias. Visit the cave churches for a glimpse into the area's rich history, and consider joining local events or festivals for a deeper cultural immersion.