Matera – Lesson with Mariangela

Matera – Lesson with Mariangela

In the heart of Italy’s Basilicata region lies the mysterious city of Matera, considered one of the oldest towns on earth, and one of a handful that has been continuously inhabited since Paleolithic times. It is a place of starkness, carved into the mountainside, and of history. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the European Capital of Culture for 2019, Matera has been experiencing a true revival after centuries of decline. It’s famed ‘Sassi’ area (literally ‘the rocks’) is a labyrinth of cave dwellings and rustic houses that were built one on top of the other over the centuries to form a primitive and mysterious place that is so evocative, it has formed the backdrop for many movies (the remake of ‘Ben Hur’ being the most recent). The Sassi, once a center of poverty, has become a hip center boasting restaurants, pubs, hotels, and a thriving artists’ community.

With that bit of history in mind, explore this truly unique city with a local, the lovely young Mariangela, who was born and raised in Matera. Your morning will start with a special 2-hour guided tour of the Sassi quarter, after which you will head to a local farmer’s market for selecting ingredients (which you can supplement with items from Mariangela’s garden). Then it is off to the kitchen for your cooking class, which is strictly hands-on and which will focus on four recipes (usually a starter, a pasta with sauce, a main course, and a dessert).

If you choose to forgo the tour, you can also meet Mariangela for just the market visit and cooking class.

• Full day with tour, market visit, and cooking class available daily 9AM to approximately 4PM daily for 2 to 6 people, although there is no market available on Sundays or public holidays.
• Market visit and cooking class also available (10AM to 3PM approximately).

Please note that larger groups can be accommodated on request. Dinner classes are also possible, please inquire.