Adventure

The Journey Home 2023 — Matera

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

Italian Roots and Genealogy is sponsored by “Your Dolce Vita” and Dawn Mattera connecting people to their purpose in life and continuing their legacy. Contact Dawn at www.yourdolcevita.com

More photos from the Matera trip.

 

Find your home in Italy

Find your roots

Podcast

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

Read More »
Podcast

Do You Have Toritto Ancestors?

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino hosts Ted Lucarelli and Cindy Lombardo, who share their experiences and insights into their Italian heritage, family history, and the journey of discovering their roots. They discuss the challenges of researching family ancestry, the significance of name changes among immigrants, and their personal stories of connecting with their ancestral town of Torito, Italy. The conversation also touches on their travels to Italy, cultural differences, and the importance of family

Read More »
Little Italy

Little Italys Around The World

The conversation revolves around an upcoming Italian festival in Connecticut, focusing on cultural heritage, community involvement, and the importance of preserving Italian traditions. Participants share their family roots, experiences, and the significance of uniting various Italian communities across the U.S. The discussion highlights the festival’s logistics, including entertainment, food, and opportunities for sponsorship, aiming to create a vibrant celebration of Italian culture. #italianancestry #italianfood #italianmusic #italian The first Italian festival of its kind is set

Read More »
Podcast

The Best Of 2025

In Italy, buying and wearing red underwear for New Year’s is a popular tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. This custom is deeply rooted in Italian culture and is associated with the color red, which symbolizes fertility, love, and good fortune. The practice is thought to date back to ancient times when red was considered a powerful color capable of warding off evil spirits and misfortune. As New Year’s

Read More »
Podcast

Roots and Reflections – Buon Natale

In this conversation, the hosts and guests share their unique Christmas traditions from their respective cultures, focusing on the differences and similarities between Italian, English, and American customs. They discuss the significance of food, particularly the Italian-American tradition of the ‘seven fishes,’ and reminisce about their childhood memories of Christmas celebrations, including midnight mass and family gatherings. The conversation also touches on the impact of cultural identity and language on their holiday experiences. In this

Read More »
Podcast

Rediscovering Italian Roots: Montescaglioso Basilicata

Join us on a heartfelt exploration as George Gingerelli takes us on his remarkable journey of rediscovering his Italian heritage. Picture the scene: George and his sister, motivated by family lore and childhood stories, find themselves piecing together a family puzzle that spans continents and generations. Their emotional voyage led them back to Montescaglioso, Italy, where a century of lost connections was rekindled with newfound relatives. George’s narrative is not just about genealogy; it’s about

Read More »
Bob

Recent Posts

Researching Porticello Sicily

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Carlo Treviso delve into the rich history and…

5 days ago

Do You Have Toritto Ancestors?

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino hosts Ted Lucarelli and Cindy Lombardo, who share their…

1 week ago

Little Italys Around The World

The conversation revolves around an upcoming Italian festival in Connecticut, focusing on cultural heritage, community…

2 weeks ago

The Best Of 2025

In Italy, buying and wearing red underwear for New Year's is a popular tradition believed…

3 weeks ago

Roots and Reflections – Buon Natale

In this conversation, the hosts and guests share their unique Christmas traditions from their respective…

1 month ago

Rediscovering Italian Roots: Montescaglioso Basilicata

Join us on a heartfelt exploration as George Gingerelli takes us on his remarkable journey…

1 month ago