Matera in southern Italy, in eastern Basilicata, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The Sassi - cave dwellings carved in stone - are world-famous and protected by Unesco. The entire centre is still made only of limestone, which gives the city its unique appearance and gives visitors the feeling of travelling back in time. Grandfather Pino Sigillino lives with his family in one of these residential caves. His daughter Nastassja works, so the grandparents spend a lot of time looking after their five grandchildren, who live in the house next door.
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Since Pino has retired, he has time to cook, preferably his favourite parmigiana. Normally, you only put cheese and a little salami in the aubergine casserole. Pino prepares extra little meatballs and adds them to the casserole, because his youngest grandchildren love that very much. His wife Antonella teaches her grandchildren the old recipes. With her granddaughter Amelié, she bakes the famous strazzate, almond biscuits that are served with coffee.
Daughter Nastassja and her husband Marcello both work in the old convent in a social institution that helps people with difficult pasts. The local cuisine also contributes to integration. Today, Nastassja cooks a traditional dish from Matera with migrants. Crapiata used to be a poor man's food because this stew is mainly made of pulses.
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There is also a kind of lamb stew in Matera on festive days, the "pignata", which is served in a terracotta vase. Antonella and her boyfriend Angelo are preparing a pignata for dinner for the extended family today. The pignata is filled with all kinds of different vegetables and lamb. Then Antonella takes it to the baker to have it baked with bread dough in the stone oven.
Marcello gives a workshop in 3D printing. With this technique, he hopes to advance the renovation of the Sassi. By no means all of Matera's residential caves have been renovated. Many are dilapidated, some completely decayed. Many are being renovated, but new technologies like this are needed to preserve this unique cultural and historical treasure.
At our Neighbour's Table - Matera | Season 2019 - Episode 240
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