We stopped in Taranto, a town of three parts - around the station (scruffy), the old town partially held together with iron girders, and the new town which has nice buildings and traffic free boulevards, to visit the archaeological museum which was as impressive as the Rough Guide said. Mostly small artifacts from about 6000BC to 600AD (so much stuff) and some lovely mosaics.
Wandered the old town via the cathedral with its beautiful chapel with inlay marble panelling.
Got slowed down by a very flash wedding - they arrived in a horse drawn carriage and left in a Lamborghini!
Now in Rossano Scala, between the town and the sea but where the bus stops. Booked a hire car to visit the archaeological site of Sybaris and its museum. Had it to ourselves! The city only lasted 200 years before being sacked by the neighbours who even diverted the river to try to wash it away. But it did leave us the word "sybaritic" for excessive luxury.
Up to the old town of Rossano where there's a 6th century 188-page illustrated manuscript of two of the gospels - the purple codex - only 4 or 5 in the world, the others being in places like St Petersburg and Paris. Had another guided tour for two - an amazing day!
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