Sassi di Matera — Attraction in Matera

Matera is a city in southern Italy known for its infamous history. However, good policy and the very picturesque surroundings of this place gather crowds of tourists every day.

I had the opportunity to visit this place with a local guide, so I will use the knowledge I gained from her: the people grom Matera built their houses in caves that are available everywhere. They have walls only in the entrance, but the residential are was located directly in the raw rock of the hill. The biggest problem of this solution was, of course, the lack of sewage and no access to basic source of water, which caused the city to suffer from numerous plagues. Residents were forbidden to live in their own homes and ordered to move to more civilized places in the city. When I heard this story and the phrase "people lived in caves" I thought of the times before our era or the Middle Ages. How surprised I was when I found out that people lived here in such conditions until the mid-20th century! During a one-day trip, I had the opportunity to see what the interior of such a rock house looks like, I heard the story of how people managed to survive in such difficult conditions for years, and we talked to the local owner of a handicraft shop, who was born in one of the caves. Amazing story, I'm glad I had the opportunity to see such a different Italy.

One more fact deserves mentioning - not all caves have been inhabited. Part of it is still available to visit if we go on a mountain trip to the surrounding hills. The view of them is simply amazing! From Matera's viewpoints you can see wild paths, plants and remains of ancient people. I guess the view from the hill overlooking the white city must be even better. If I have the opportunity to visit this city alone, I will definitely go for a hiking there.

I highly recommend visiting this part of Italy. Each city has its own unique character. Matera is raw and intimidating, with two neighboring hills we can observe modern history and prehistory at the same time. In my opinion, it is the most phenomenal place I have seen in the southern part of...

Everyone visited this magnificent city had plenty of great things to say. Let me focus on the how amazing the sunset was. It was almost aurora like sunset that I’ve never witnessed before. The transition from purple to burnt orange to dark blue within the span of 30 minutes was one of the most spectacular scene I have ever seen.

Of course, Matera is a lot more than great sunset. Every corner and every street are so uniquely scenic. It feels like you are time traveling 2000 years backward. It’s so surreal that I can’t think of adjectives to describe it. I am glad I am not the only one with this observation. Mel Gibson chose this city to film his masterpiece ‘Passion of Christ’ which did not require much of CG to recreate 1st century vibe.

And no wonder the most recent 007 movie was filmed here. The director of this movies must had the same impression I had on this ancient city.

Culinary scene shall not be disregarded. The local olive oil is magnificent. And the Matera bread is one of a kind. I had the most simple sandwich made by a teenager, consisted of local tomato, olive and Matera bread. And I have to confess it was the best sandwich I ever had.

This is the most interesting, intriguing and magnificent European city I ever visited. This city has to be professional photographer’s heaven. Although I am not a professional photographer, it was heaven to me during my brief stay here back in 2020. Can’t...

Walking through the Sassi di Matera feels like stepping back in time. The caves, carved into the limestone rock, have been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, making Matera one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. As you wander through the narrow alleys and labyrinthine streets, you'll encounter ancient dwellings, churches, and cisterns, all carved into the rock.

One of the most striking features of the Sassi is the way in which they blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. The caves seem to emerge organically from the rocky cliffs, creating a breathtaking and otherworldly scene. At night, when the caves are illuminated, the effect is truly magical.

Exploring the Sassi di Matera is like embarking on a journey through history. You can visit ancient churches and crypts, such as the Church of Santa Maria de Idris and the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, which feature stunning frescoes and architecture dating...