Matera, a breathtaking ancient city carved directly into limestone cliffs in southern Italy, is one of the most extraordinary human settlements in the world. Known for its iconic stone dwellings called the Sassi, Matera offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that stretches back thousands of years. With its dramatic cliffside homes, winding alleyways, and historical depth, Matera stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most visually striking destinations.
A City Carved from Stone
Matera’s most distinctive feature is its cliffside architecture. Instead of building above ground, early inhabitants carved their homes directly into the mountainside. These stone caves formed entire neighborhoods that blended seamlessly with the landscape. The pale limestone walls glow beautifully in the sunlight, creating a unique aesthetic that sets Matera apart from any other city in Italy.
These homes are not mere caves. Over centuries, the residents expanded them, adding facades, doors, stairways, and connecting pathways that created a vertical labyrinth across the cliffs.
One of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities
Matera is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, with human presence dating back more than 9,000 years. Its cave dwellings were used by ancient communities long before the rise of the Roman Empire. The city’s long history is preserved in every stone wall and narrow passage, making it an extraordinary open air museum of human resilience and adaptation.
The Sassi Districts
Matera is divided into two main cliffside districts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano.
Both feature stunning cave homes, ancient churches carved into stone, and terraces overlooking deep valleys. Many of the old cave houses have been restored into boutique hotels, cafés, and museums, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of ancient life with modern comfort.
Walking through the Sassi feels like stepping back in time. The stone paths, arches, and steep stairways highlight the traditional way of life that shaped the region for centuries.
Rock Churches and Historical Treasures
Matera contains more than one hundred rupestrian rock churches, carved into cliffs and decorated with Byzantine style frescoes. These sanctuaries served as spiritual centers for monks and local inhabitants during the Middle Ages.
Some of the most famous include
- Santa Maria de Idris
- San Pietro Barisano
- Santa Lucia alle Malve
These rock churches preserve ancient art and religious history, offering insight into early Christian culture in southern Italy.
A City Once Forgotten, Now Celebrated
For much of the twentieth century, Matera was known as a symbol of poverty due to its isolated cave dwellings and lack of infrastructure. In the 1950s, many residents were relocated, and the city’s ancient districts were largely abandoned.
However, in the late twentieth century, architects, historians, and filmmakers rediscovered Matera’s cultural value. Restoration efforts brought the Sassi back to life. Today, Matera stands as a celebrated example of preservation and urban revival.
Its striking scenery has also attracted international filmmakers. Matera has served as a backdrop for major movies, including The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die, further boosting its popularity.
A Rising Tourism Gem
Matera has become one of Italy’s fastest growing tourism destinations. Visitors come for its dramatic cliffside appearance, rich history, and distinctive cave accommodations. The city offers:
- Scenic cliff viewpoints
- Ancient cistern systems
- Artisan workshops
- Local cuisine inspired by traditional rural life
Travelers who explore Matera often describe it as unforgettable, both for its beauty and its deep sense of history.
Matera is a rare and stunning example of a city carved entirely into cliffs. Its ancient cave districts, rock churches, and fascinating past make it a destination unlike any other in Italy or the world. Whether you come for its architecture, history, or cinematic landscapes, Matera promises an experience that feels timeless and truly extraordinary.
