We heard so much about Matera that we made sure to put it on our agenda, Matera is a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest city in Europe. Dozens of movies were filmed there including the Passion Of Christ, No Time to Die and Wonder Woman.
Our guide Pasquale informed us that there are 156 churches in Matera. Many are located in caves. One thing that I did not expect was that there is a very modern vibrant town also.
Along the walk down into the old city, Pasquale took us to a museum that was the home to a family as late as 1958. There was no heat, running water or toilet facilities. Two rooms one for the people and one for the animals.
The Italian president at the time moved many of the families to modern apartments. Most of the old city is being renovated by the Italian government.
For an excellent personal tour you can reach Pasquale at 39 338 4417906
Videos of Matera
During our trip in Puglia we used VIP Service by Domenico Loiacono, to bring us from Taranto to Bari, Matera and back and for our trip to the airport.
Domenico’s drivers were not only on time, but early, flexible and very courteous. Nicola, our driver for Matera, took for a stop in Acquaviva Della Fonte the home of some of my ancestors and to other small towns on the way back. Even gave us a bit of a lesson in Barese.
I highly recommend VIP Service if you are in Puglia. Click here for website or contact Domenico at 39 380 701 6616
Find your home in Italy
Find your roots
Growing Up Italian: Food, Family, and Tradition
In this conversation, chef, author, and filmmaker Margie Raimondo shares her journey from a successful career in high tech to embracing her Italian roots through cooking. After a life-changing experience during 9/11, Margie reevaluated her life and moved to Arkansas, where she discovered a vibrant Italian community. She reflects on her childhood in an immigrant neighborhood, the importance of family traditions, and her culinary journey that took her to Italy, where she learned the art
The Northern Italian Experience in America
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Ernesto Milani, who shares his family’s migration story from Italy to the United States, particularly focusing on the early Italian immigrants in America. They discuss the correspondence between family members across the ocean, the establishment of Italian settlements in the Southern United States, and the significant role of mutual aid societies in supporting Italian immigrants. Ernesto also shares the poignant story of Rosa, an Italian immigrant who became a
Sicilian Citizenship Adventure
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Kristen Hertzog about her journey of relocating from the United States to Italy, exploring her family heritage, the challenges of obtaining dual citizenship, and the cultural differences she has encountered. Kristen shares her experiences of living in a small Italian village, the bureaucratic hurdles she faced, and the importance of language in building relationships. They also discuss the romanticized view of Italian life versus the reality, and how both
Italian Genealogy Extreme Records
In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Daniel Niemiec delve into the intricate world of genealogy, exploring Daniel’s extensive research into his family history, which includes over 90,000 ancestors. They discuss migration patterns, the significance of family connections, and the emotional weight of discovering both extraordinary and tragic family stories. Daniel shares insights from his research, including the challenges of tracing lineage, the impact of historical events on family dynamics, and the fascinating tales of
Genealogy Tips – Katy Bodenhorn
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Katy Bodenhorn, a professional genealogist, discussing her journey into genealogy, the importance of historical societies, and tips for aspiring genealogists. They explore the challenges and rewards of genealogy research, the significance of family stories, and the evolving landscape of genealogy with technology and DNA testing. Katy shares insights on her business, the services she offers, and the fascinating stories that emerge from genealogical research. Find Katy on Facebook Takeaways
Researching Porticello Sicily
In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Carlo Treviso delve into the rich history and culture of Sicily, exploring Carlo’s personal journey of discovering his Sicilian roots and the inspiration behind his novel, Siciliana. They discuss the process of writing historical fiction, the significance of female protagonists, and the importance of preserving Italian culture and traditions in America. Takeaways • Carlo’s journey to Sicily sparked his interest in writing. • Sicilian culture was not fully
