Italy Basilicata Matera

Small Towns
Culture
Historic Places

A most striking town, Matera seems to hail straight from the middle ages, rich in churches, fine buildings, and history.

Matera is a city and a province in the region of Basilicata, in southern Italy. The town lies athwart a small canyon, which has been eroded in the course of years by a small stream, the Gravina. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), Matera is well known for its historical center called "Sassi", considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1993, along with the Park of the Rupestrian Churches. Matera has gained international fame for its ancient town, the "Sassi di Matera" (meaning "stones of Matera"). The Sassi originated in a prehistoric troglodyte settlement, and these dwellings are thought to be among the first ever human settlements in what is now Italy.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Matera, Italy

Sasso Barisano - Matera by Lino M

A most striking town, Matera seems to hail straight from the middle ages, rich in churches, fine buildings, and history.
Sassi of Matera

Sassi di Matera by Gianluca Campanella

Hewn into the rock, these ancient cavernous dwelling date to the 70C BC at least and are the heart of the town.
Matera Cathedral

Matera - Cathedral by damian entwistle

Erected in the 13C to overlook the entire town, this medieval cathedral is home to Byzantine murals and fine ecclesiastical relics.
Historic Center, Matera

Matera by Claudio

You can wander for hours through Mater's old town and feel like you're transported back to the middle ages.

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Top destinations in the Basilicata region

Sasso Barisano - Matera by Lino M

Matera

maratea by mozzercork

Maratea

Recommended attractions

Sassi di Matera by Gianluca Campanella

Sassi of Matera

Matera - Cathedral by damian entwistle

Matera Cathedral

Matera by Claudio

Historic Center, Matera

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