Matera, Italy - An Ancient City Carved in Caves
Matera, Italy – A Journey into the World's Most Ancient City
Where Time Stands Still in Stone
If you're searching for a destination where history lives and breathes through every narrow street and cave wall, Matera belongs on your list. Tucked away in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has risen from obscurity to become one of Europe’s most fascinating travel experiences.
The Sassi: Caves with a Story
The soul of Matera lies in its two Sassi districts — Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. These neighborhoods are composed of ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the limestone. Once neglected and even referred to as Italy's national shame, these prehistoric homes have been transformed into unique accommodations, art spaces, and restaurants.
Wandering the Sassi is like walking through a living museum. It's no surprise that Matera has been chosen as the backdrop for films like The Passion of the Christ and the James Bond thriller No Time to Die.
Sleep Inside a Cave
Matera offers accommodations unlike anywhere else in the world. Travelers can stay in luxurious cave hotels where modern comfort meets ancient architecture. Properties such as Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita and Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel provide an unforgettable experience that merges history with design.
Local Cuisine: Simple, Honest, and Full of Flavor
Matera’s food scene reflects its agrarian roots. Expect hearty dishes made with local grains, legumes, and cured meats. The city’s famous bread, Pane di Matera, is baked with centuries-old techniques and has a distinct flavor and texture.
Try local specialties like cavatelli pasta with chickpeas, Lucanian sausage, and peperoni cruschi — sun-dried sweet peppers flash-fried to perfection. Pair your meal with a glass of Aglianico, the region’s bold red wine.
Top Things to Do in Matera
Casa Noha: An immersive multimedia exhibit that gives context to the city’s history
Parco della Murgia Materana: A dramatic landscape filled with rock churches and panoramic views
Matera Cathedral: A 13th-century Romanesque cathedral overlooking the Sassi
Palombaro Lungo: An underground cistern revealing the city's ingenious water system
Church of Santa Maria de Idris: A church built into the cliffside with frescoes and stunning views
Why Matera Should Be on Your Bucket List
Matera isn’t just another beautiful Italian town. It’s an extraordinary example of human resilience, reinvention, and heritage. Whether you’re a photographer, a history lover, or someone simply looking to disconnect in a surreal landscape, Matera offers a completely different kind of travel experience — one that leaves a lasting impression.
