Matera

Matera is a truly unreal city in Southern Italy. Built into a rocky ravine, it has thousands of cave dwellings known as 'Sassi' that have been inhabited for over 9,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

The city was once known as 'the shame of Italy' because of the extreme poverty and poor living conditions. Families lived alongside their animals in caves without electricity or running water until the 1950s, when the government forcibly relocated residents. But in an incredible turnaround, Matera has transformed into a cultural hot spot. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 and was named European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Walking through the labyrinth of narrow stone streets feels like stepping back in time. Ancient cave churches with beautiful frescoes dot the landscape. The striking contrast between the ancient Sassi districts and the more modern parts of town creates a fascinating juxtaposition.

Mel Gibson chose Matera as the backdrop for 'The Passion of the Christ' because of its ancient feel and similarity to historical Jerusalem. More recently, scenes from the James Bond film 'No Time to Die' were shot here. The local cuisine is worth exploring too, featuring simple but delicious dishes made from local ingredients like the unique bread of Matera, which stays fresh for days.