Matera | The Timeless Stone City

🌍Matera, with its near-10,000-year history, boasts the oldest continuously inhabited cave dwellings in the world. These limestone-carved homes, called "Sassi" (meaning "stones" in Italian), are stacked like a vertical labyrinth. The city is surprisingly large, so dedicate a full day to explore—especially at sunset and after dark, when the glowing streetlights transform the atmosphere.✨ 🏰 Two Distinct Districts Sasso Barisano: The restored area with hotels, restaurants, and shops.💫 Sasso Caveoso: More raw and untouched, offering a glimpse into Matera’s ancient past. 🚂 Getting There From Bari, take the FAL private railway (~1h40min). Platform location: Side entrance of Bari Centrale Station (see P8). Transfer at Altamura (usually seamless). 📸 Best Photo Spots 1️⃣ Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio – Iconic triple-arch view. 2️⃣ Cattedrale di Maria Santissima – Cathedral with panoramic vistas. 3️⃣ Belvedere Murgia Timone – The ultimate sunset spot. 4️⃣ Convento di Sant'Agostino – A 007 filming location. 5️⃣ Le Origini Suites & Rooms – Rooftop views from this cave hotel. 🍽️ Where to Eat Stano (Book ahead! ~€30-40/person) – Their unique tiramisu is a must. ⚠️ Tips ✔ Grippy shoes are a must—the polished stone paths are slippery! ✔ Navigation challenge: Alleys and stairs everywhere—GPS may fail! #Italy #Matera #TravelEurope