A magic place, though there are such effective events in Sicily, Spain or the Balkans or Turkey, but still the Sassi zone, the rock formations, the speleology constitute world class encounters. The scenic town is in the South of Italy and constitutes an alternative to the open museum variety. Magically lit at night, a pedestrian paradise with fine eateries and locals with elegant simple manners and real hospitality. Should you be willing to broaden your horizon with alternative chiaroscuro highlighting do not miss it.
Matera, Italy is a historic place to visit in Southern Italy. The highlight to see: Sassi. It is a World Heritage Site and it's also where Passion of the Christ (2004) and The Nativity Story (2006) were filmed. The food is fabulous and the people warm and lovely.
Imagine a place when at 1950 was seen as one city at Italy to be shamed of, as the locals tell. And decades later it is one of the candidate city European capital of cutlure. This is Matera. Until 50's people still lived in rock caves, what is explored sustainably as part of the tourism nowadays. The city dates from the Paleolithic. A gift for your eyes! Do you like to eat like a king? Go to Matera. There I tried the best ricota cheese . What I liked even most. The silence and Peace of being in a place still preserved and so for from the world.
You must spend at least part of a day looking around the cave dwellings and cave churches.The town has just been awarded "European City of Culture" in 2019 and deserves to be.
Pre-christ churches carved out of the stone. Amazing. Region is also known for its sausages and meats. Enjoy a lot of those. Truly special.
The city of Matera is home to one of the most beautiful sights in the world, visited every year by millions of people from all over the world, so-called "Sassi" or rocks. The "Sassi di Matera" are one of the attractions of incalculable value, this fact is registered in the prestigious list of world heritage UNESCO and one of the 50 sites that Italy boasts membership. The visit to the stones is considered to be a physical hard test especially if approached in the summer months, the heat is exhausting but the show is guaranteed, in my opinion one of the most beautiful places in Italy. The route is varied and you'll have the chance to see this beautiful city in every corner. There is a small tourist information point from where they organize all kinds of excursions and guided tour, here you can also get some valuable tips about where to go and what to see, and you can buy a map of the city and sightseeing at a cost of € 2. There are many rock-hewn churches in the vast area but most of these are extra so you will want to visit them if you agree to buy a carnet of inputs directly to the tourism office that will allow you to save. There are panoramic views that will leave you speechless.
It's best to Google is as there is a lot of information. Go now, or in 2019 Matera has been chosen as the cultural capital of Italy. Aside from the incredible archeology and architecture, and the sassi zone with its rock churches and cave homes, some restored, the overall experience will be even richer.
Spent an afternoon walking 5through this ancient walled town. It is a UNESCO heritage site that is not that we'll known by tourists. Definitely worth a visit.
Be sure to add this to your travel itinerary. This place fills the soul and drives deep awe into the eyes that look upon, in and across it.
Hate to do this review as this is still an undiscovered find, at least in terms of US tourists. The place is beautiful and magical. The food was suburb and it reminded us of northern Italian cuisine as opposed to what most expect from the south. Wine was terrific too. We spend 3 days here and we are definitely planning to return and spend more time in the wonderful town.