Photo Journal of The Craco Society's
Inaugural Trip to Craco
June 14 - 21, 2008
After a long journey to Metaponto on Saturday, Joe and Mary Rinaldi (NY), President Joe Rinaldi (Canada),
Giula Rinaldi, and her husband Pietro D'Elia (Craco) ride the resort's shuttle to the beach Sunday morning.
Sunday, after lunch, we board the bus for our first visit to Craco. The anticipation created an
electric atmosphere on the bus. Frank Rinaldi provided many "true stories" of
growing up and life in Craco.
The bus made a stop in Craco Pescheria, where Angelina LoPorchio and Anna Lucia Nuzzo join us to
welcome us and present us with a beautiful wreath containing three stalks of wheat and a cluster of
grapes, representing life in both old and new Craco.
As we near Craco Vecchio, the town rises majestically before us, it's beauty apparent even from a
glimpse in the distance.
As the bus pulls into the monastery of the Order of Observant Friars, local citizens have already gathered
to meet us and welcome us. This would be the first of many, many welcomes we would receive during our trip.
At the monastary, Joe Rinaldi provides a welcome message and Lena Camperlengo delivers a
wonderfully creative history of Craco.
We assemble on the roof of the monastery for what will become the signature group photo of our pilgrimage.
After the group photo, we make the short walk to the cemetery, to pay our respects to our deceased ancestors
who remained in Craco.
We board the bus again, en route to the Madonna Della Stella Chapel, and are treated to our first close-up
view of Craco Vecchio.
At the Madonna Della Stella Chapel, Father Don Franco says a special Mass in honor of our visit. Shortly after
our arrival, a crowd gathered which spilled out of the Church and onto the porch area and road.
After the Mass, we arrive the in San Angelo section of old Craco, where we are greeted by more local townspeople.
We tour the church located there and view the relic of San Vincenzo, the patron saint and protector of Craco.
After bidding farewell to our hosts for the day, we head back to the resort in Metaponto, reflecting upon our incredible
first day in Craco and enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
Bright and early the next morning, Filippo Francavilla, Frank Rinaldi (Canada), and Frank Rinadi (Milan)
return to Craco Vecchio to retrace their steps and visit the farms of their youth.
Picking varvaleche (land snails) for dinner, a staple in the diet of Crachesi and all residents of the mezzogiorno.
In the backround is the old Rubertone farm, which was later sold to the Francavilla family.
Craco Vecchio provides a spectacular backdrop for the 400 olive trees planted by Filippo Francavilla and his father.
Frank Rinaldi outside his family's house on Via Umberto, his home for the first 15 years of his life.
The sharing of memories and stories brought us all closer to this land our families called home.
Frank and Filippo pause for a drink at the fountain on the outskirts of Craco Vecchio, just as they had done as youths,
and our ancestors had for hundreds of years before that.
Later that afternoon we board the bus to the museum and ruins at Metaponto.
This ancient Greek temple dates back to 1300 B.C.
Another group photo from the temple at Metaponto marks the end of day two.
Tuesday, we made our first visit to Craco Pescheria, where are met once again by Angelina LoPorchio and Anna Lucia Nuzzo.
Their enthusiasm and warmth was typical of the reception we would receive throughout the week.
Marilynn Larubbio Congedo, Anna Larubbio, Sarah Veeder, Antonette Pirozzi and Anna Veeder pose for a photo.
We are literally welcomed with open arms!
The memorial to all Crachesi who perished in war stands proudly, just as in the old town.
A beautiful shrine to the Blessed Mother.
The new Craco maintains a nice balance of modern and traditional. With temperatures nearing 90F,
many concerned residents came out and offered us cold water and juice.
Then it's off to town hall, where we are formally greeted by Mayor Domenico Copeti.
An exchange of gifts between the town and the society included this beautiful painting by Anna Lucia titled
"Tears for Craco". Mayor Copeti then vowed his support to help our President, Joe Rinaldi obtain an honorary Italian citizenship.
This most thoughtful gesture of appreciation and goodwill made for an emotional and moving moment for all.
As part of the town's reception, each attending family was presented with a detailed family tree.
Here, Lou Lospinoso accepts on behalf of his family;
...and Lena Camperlengo for her family,
... and Tony Camberlengo,
and Marilynn Congedo for the LoRubbio family,
Marlyne Maresse,
...and not only did I receive my family tree, but was introduced to family that I didn't even know I had!
It was a moment I shall remember and treasure for the rest of my life.
Wednesday morning (day three) we board the bus for Matera. This picture was taken in the renovated section of the sassi,
where we were treated to a tour of a pottery shop and a demonstration.
In Matera, with some of the ancient sassi dwellings in the backround.
Thursday, Joe and Barbara Rinaldi and others embarked on an optional trip to the trulli (beehive houses) of Alberobello.
A few took advantage of an opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Padre Pio,
and some opted for a chance to relax at the beach.
Friday's return to Craco Vecchio afforded us a chance to walk the streets escorted by the local Vigilo, Franco Tuzio.
He made sure we avoided any dangerous areas and chased away some of the old town's newest residents, snakes.
Chiesa Madre, (the Mother Church) or more formally Chiesa San Nicola Vescovo.
The rocks and the awe-inspiring views.
Largo Macchiavelli
Frescos from the Palazzo Grossi...
...miraculously survived the ravages of the frana.
Via Alfieri
Climbing the Norman Tower. Off limits to residents while the old town was inhabited,
it's last official use was as the pumping station to supply the town with water.
Spectacular views from the tower in all directions...
We bid our final farewell to Craco Vecchio, and return to Craco Pescheria for a reception prepared by our cousins
featuring authentic Crachesi cuisine.
We arrive at the home of our hosts, Pasqualina and Franco.
Fresh homemade bruschetta, local olives, marinated artichokes, crunchy peppers.
Homemade pizza, ceci, salami, and the most delicious grilled lamb were enjoyed by all.
And of course, local fresh fruits and cakes.
The new friendships and family connections established were as fulfilling as the food which was prepared
with great pride and love.
But the most important result of our trip was the establishment of bonds between Crachesi
from both sides of the Atlantic, with a strong foundation that will last for generations to come.