Matera is a historic city located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. It is particularly known for its ancient town, known as Sassi di Matera, a complex of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside, which has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period.
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, having been inhabited since the 10th millennium BC. Its historical center "Sassi", along with the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1993.
The Sassi di Matera are a fascinating and complex system of caves, rock-cut houses, troglodyte settlements, and subterranean spaces, reflecting the utilization of natural resources of the terrain over time. This unique cityscape has been used as the setting for many films, including Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ'.
The city underwent significant development in the post-World War II period, and it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Despite its ancient roots, modern Matera offers concerts, festivals, art galleries, and excellent restaurants to visitors, combining the charm of the old world with modern cultural attractions.
