METAPONTO
AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL VILLAGE
24th September:
A TREAT FOR EYES
The next day was hot, so what better treat for Lolly than to take her to the sea. On the way, we tasted a bit of culture first. Metaponto is a major archaeological site next to the coast, with remains of about six ancient Greek temples in a field.
In another sixteen huge columns still stand, the remainders of a temple to Hera. (see the feature photo above) The museum itself is modern, beautiful, and with the best collection of ancient Greek vases and artefacts in Italy, and arguably the world (excepting possibly Athens). Museo Archeologico Nazionale METAPONTO
A TREAT FOR TUMMIES
It also has nearby a very nice little restaurant, the Trattoria Barchetta. Looking a little like an hotel bar with a courtyard, it sells sophisticated food, beautifully served at a very reasonable price. The seafood is to die for. Up the road at Marina di Ginosa we found a seafront with an excellent beach.
TREAT FOR LOLLY
Lolly was thrilled – she rarely gets to see an ‘Ocean’ these days. Baton Rouge, (her home since Hurricane Katrina drove her from New Orleans) is quite far inland – the States are so vast…
MUCKING ABOUT IN THE SURF…
We picked our way down to the sea, using the wooden ‘path’ laid over the sands. (Lolly kicked off her sandals, but because it was so hot she soon put them on again). We had not come prepared, so had to content ourselves with a paddle and splashing match. It was fun, though, and refreshing.
A TREAT – FIG ICE CREAM
Back in the High Street we spotted an Artisan Gelato selling great ice creams. I persuaded Lolly to try the FRESH FIG ICE CREAM, unheard of (so far) in Britain; a most heavenly flavour. It’s easy to find the Lucarelli di Mastrorocco Gelateria. Rested and refreshed, we then again paddled kidlike in the sea before returning to base.
Text by – Jackie Usher, SWWJ. (aka author Debbie Darkin, & ‘Graham Liverpool’ on Trip Advisor.)
Photographs by – Graham Usher.
