Matera | The Timeless Beauty of Italy's Lost City
A city that endured poverty for nearly 9,000 years, š®Matera is nestled in Italyās Basilicata region, famed for its Sassiāa breathtaking labyrinth of 1,500+ cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs. Itās one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth.š« š Must-Visit Attractions 1ļøā£ Sassi di Matera ⢠The soul of the cityāa maze of stone-hewn houses, stairways, and hidden churches. ⢠Best at sunsetāclimb high for a golden-hour panorama.š 2ļøā£ Matera Cathedral (Duomo di Matera) ⢠A 13th-century Romanesque gem with a golden interior. ⢠The square in front offers one of the best sunrise/night views of the Sassi.šļø 3ļøā£ Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso ⢠A cliffside cave church with medieval frescoes. ⢠The terrace overlooks the dramatic Murgia Gorge.š 4ļøā£ Palazzo del Sedile ⢠An 18th-century Baroque palace, now a music academy. ⢠The lively square is perfect for a coffee break. š„ 5ļøā£ Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario ⢠A fully preserved cave homeāsee how locals lived for centuries (complete with livestock!). 6ļøā£ Parco della Murgia Materana ⢠Hike across the gorge to hidden rock churches and prehistoric caves.ā¤ļø ⢠The ultimate viewpoint for Sassiās skyline. #HiddenItaly #MateraMagic #WorldHeritage #007FilmingLocation