The necropolis covers an extensive area used for burials in underground tombs. These vary from oblong holes covered by enormous slabs (above) to rooms that often had wall paintings (below)

In the nearby port of Savelletri (famous for its seafood) we share an excellent risotto for lunch that contains clams, mussels, shrimps, langoustine, crabs legs, etc. We decide not to have dessert until we see that the menu has 'Home Made Tiramisu' - Jeanette chooses this, and receives an enormous portion, and David has Lemon and Limonella Truffle

After relaxing back at the hotel, our last evening meal here consists of foccacia as an appetiser followed by Involtint Di Zucchine E Gambedretti (zucchini and shrimp); Lasagnetta Cotta Al Forno Con Braciolette Di Vitallo (beef lasagne); and a dessert of pastry tubes filled with cream. We have had a wonderful stay here, during which we have almost been made part of the family - the chef showing us how she makes the orecchietta ("little ears") pasta that is typical of this region, and meeting the elderly mother of the two sisters that run the hotel.

May 28th: after our four wonderful nights at Al Mirador, today we drive to Lecce where we will spend three nights. Our route is via Massafra where David attempts to drive through an archway that is narrower than the car, resulting in the above damage. In Massafra we visit its ravines, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala, and the Buona Nuova Church

The medieval castle of Massafra overlooks the Pizzo and San Marco ravines

The ravines in Massafra were the location for numerous cave dwellings and early Christian cave churches

The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala