CROSSWORD of Southern Italy

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Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. What is Matera primarily known for, and what is significant about its history?
2. Describe the unique architectural features of Alberobello and their historical purpose.
3. What are some of the main attractions and activities that Polignano a Mare offers visitors?
4. Why is Erice considered a medieval jewel of Southern Italy, and what are some of its notable features?
5. What is Taormina famous for, and how does its ancient Greek Theater showcase a blend of natural and historical beauty?
6. What is Sorrento particularly known for, besides its beautiful location on the Amalfi Coast?
7. Describe the Blue Grotto in Capri and why Capri has historically been a popular destination of Southern Italy.
8. What is the Santa Maria dell’Isola church in Tropea, and what does it symbolize about the town’s beauty?
9. Why is Lecce often referred to as the “Florence of Southern Italy,” and what characterizes its architecture?
10. According to the sources, what are some of the key aspects of Southern Italy, culture and lifestyle?

Answer Key

1. Matera is primarily known for its “Sassi,” unique cave homes carved into the rock, which represent one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, dating back over 9,000 years. These former poor neighborhoods have been renovated into an open-air museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site of Southern Italy, showcasing a fascinating glimpse into the past.
2. Alberobello is known for its distinctive “trulli,” cone-shaped dry stone huts that were originally built in the 14th century as temporary homes for herders. These peculiar structures, many now UNESCO World Heritage sites, create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere with their unique architecture and sometimes mysterious roof symbols.
3. Polignano a Mare offers stunning views over the Adriatic Sea, beautiful beaches nestled between dramatic cliffs, and a historic center with charming narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Visitors can enjoy swimming in picturesque coves like Lama Monachile, exploring sea caves, and experiencing the town’s seafaring history.
4. Erice is considered a medieval jewel due to its mountaintop location, traditional medieval style, and historical significance as a defensive stronghold. Notable features include the Castello di Venere, the Gothic Chiesa Madre, and the Duomo di Erice, along with its famous almond sweets.
5. Taormina is famous for its breathtaking views, its well-preserved ancient Greek Theater, and its proximity to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. The Greek Theater provides a stunning backdrop of both ancient architecture and natural volcanic scenery for performances and events.
6. Sorrento is particularly known for its charming atmosphere, verdant lemon fields, and sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It is also famous for its production of Limoncello, a delightful lemon-flavored liqueur made from the region’s renowned lemons.
7. The Blue Grotto in Capri is a sea cave famous for the surreal blue light that illuminates its interior, caused by sunlight reflecting through an underwater entrance. Capri has long been a popular vacation destination for the wealthy and famous due to its breathtaking scenery, upscale allure, and status as a glitzy and fashionable haven.
8. The Santa Maria dell’Isola church in Tropea sits dramatically on a rocky island overlooking the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, symbolizing the town’s stunning coastal beauty and its blend of history and nature. Its picturesque location has made it one of Tropea’s most iconic landmarks.
9. Lecce is often called the “Florence of the South” because of its abundant and stunning Baroque architecture, featuring elaborate sculptures and elegant buildings at every turn. The city’s Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce are prime examples of this ornate style, creating an open-air museum feel.
10. Key aspects of Southern Italian culture include a slower pace of life, a strong emphasis on family and community, deeply rooted traditions often blending pagan and Christian elements, vibrant festivals, and a rich culinary heritage utilizing fresh, local ingredients. Hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere are also characteristic of the region.

Essay Format Questions

1. Discuss the ways in which the historical influences (e.g., Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Spanish) have shaped the cultural identity and architectural landscape of Southern Italy, providing specific examples from the listed towns and regions.
2. Compare and contrast the appeal of the coastal towns (e.g., Positano, Polignano a Mare, Tropea) versus the inland historical sites (e.g., Matera, Erice, Pompeii) of Southern Italy as tourist destinations, considering factors such as scenery, activities, and historical significance.
3. Analyze the significance of local cuisine and agricultural traditions in defining the regional identities of Southern Italy, using examples such as Neapolitan pizza, Puglian olive oil, Calabrian chili peppers, and Basilicatan pasta.
4. Explore the theme of “time standing still” in Southern Italy as presented in the sources, discussing how traditional practices, historical preservation, and the pace of life contribute to this perception and its appeal to travelers.
5. Evaluate the importance of UNESCO World Heritage sites of Southern Italy (e.g., Matera, Alberobello, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast) in terms of their cultural, historical, and economic impact on the region and their role in attracting international tourism.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Baroque Architecture: A highly ornate and elaborate architectural style that flourished in Europe from the early 17th to mid-18th centuries, characterized by grandeur, dramatic effects, and rich decoration.
• Basilicata: A small, historically rural region in Southern Italy known for its ancient traditions, the Sassi di Matera, and unique festivals.
• Campania: A region in Southern Italy that includes Naples and the Amalfi Coast, known for its vibrant culture, historical sites like Pompeii, and culinary specialties such as pizza.
• Cave Dwellings (Sassi): Ancient homes carved into rock, particularly famous in Matera, representing a unique and long-inhabited type of settlement.
• Limoncello: A traditional Italian lemon-flavored liqueur primarily produced in the region around the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.
• Medieval: Relating to the Middle Ages, a period in European history from approximately the 5th to the late 15th century, often characterized by castles, feudalism, and religious influence.
• Puglia (Apulia): A region in southeastern Italy forming the “heel” of the boot, known for its whitewashed towns, olive groves, trulli houses, and coastal beauty.
• Sicily: The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and an autonomous region of Italy, with a rich history influenced by various cultures and featuring diverse landscapes, including Mount Etna.
• Trulli: Distinctive conical-roofed stone houses, unique to the Alberobello area of Puglia, historically built as temporary dwellings without mortar.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: A landmark or area recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its outstanding cultural or natural significance to humanity, often warranting protection and preservation.