Carved into the cliffs of southern Italy’s Basilicata region, Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world—and one of its most visually striking. Known for its ancient cave dwellings, or Sassi, Matera looks like a biblical movie set, which is why films like The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die were shot here. What was once considered Italy’s national shame due to poverty and neglect has now transformed into a symbol of cultural rebirth, sustainability, and architectural wonder.
The Sassi di Matera are a labyrinth of stone houses, cave churches, and underground cisterns carved directly into limestone. Walking through the city is like stepping into a time capsule—narrow alleyways twist past rooftop gardens and candle-lit trattorias. Matera’s story is not just about ancient history; it’s about resilience. In the 1950s, residents were relocated due to poor living conditions, but decades later, restoration efforts turned these once-abandoned caves into boutique hotels, museums, and artist studios.
Declared a European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera today thrives as a destination where past and future meet. Visitors can experience local traditions like pane di Matera bread-making, attend open-air jazz concerts, or explore ancient rupestrian churches covered in fading frescoes. It’s a city that teaches us how history, when cared for, can become the foundation for innovation—and Matera’s stone walls whisper stories that are both ancient and timeless.
