See how Matera, Italy has transformed from the “shame” of Italy to the 2019 European Capital of Culture. This city of caves, carved into the rock high about a ravine, went from the black eye of the country to a luxurious tourism hot spot. Come check out what to see, do and eat in Matera, Italy!
Video Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:08 Welcome to Matera, Italy
1:28 Amazing dinner inside a cave
1:53 Why you can’t drive in Matera
2:17 Navigating Matera
3:08 History of Matera – from Rags to Riches
4:19 Casa Grotta – traditional cave dwelling
5:28 Matera’s Celebration – Festa Della Bruna
6:30 Walking around the Sassi
7:28 Abandoned Tramontano Castle
8:29 Eating Piadas
8:51 AirBnB Tour by Howard
10:23 Palombaro Lungo – underground water cistern tour
11:38 Preview of Next Week’s Episode
Resources & Where we stayed
Where we stayed: https://casadellartistamatera.it/
Where we ate: https://www.osterialcasale.it/
Casa Grotta: http://www.casagrotta.it/index.php?lang=en Matera’s Water
Cistern System: https://www.palombarolungo.it/
Festa Della Bruna: https://www.facebook.com/festadellabruna/
Our Top Tips for Visiting Riverbend Hot Springs
- Stay overnight on the property! Whether you’re in an RV, looking for budget friendly options or even accommodations for a group, they have it all. Bonus: when you’re an overnight guest, you get unlimited soaking in the common pools (including the morning of your departure)! It’s the best bang for your buck!
- Book a private soak! They have 7 beautiful, private pools overlooking the river that can be reserved in 50 minute blocks. They are walled on three sides and the front open to the river. Tip: it’s cheaper to book these on the weekdays too.
- You must see the property at night! Jake, the owner, has an incredible eye for using fun lights to transform the property when the sun goes down. It’s truly magical!
- If you’re staying overnight, take advantage of last minute soaking the morning of your checkout. I practically had the pools to myself and it was incredibly peaceful with the morning sun over the river!
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