We left Matera and arrived at our next hotel, the Masseria Torre Maizza. Masseria are old fortified farms leftover over from Puglia's feudal past. Today, many of them are agriturismo or resorts:working farms that also serve as hotels, spas, golf courses etc.

The picture is a night view of one Matera's old churches, St. John the Baptist, my patron saint whose day is celebrated on my father's birthday and who was the namesake of my aunt, Sr. Battistina.

Matera is such a fascinating city. It is full of interesting side streets, surprises, etc. We went into an ancient church carved into the mountain. The church dates to the 11th century. Of course, it's a cave but the walls were painted and some of it remains.

My bags finally arrived and I changed clothes when I arrive at Maizza. Tomorrow, the riding starts.

Ciao.