Matera City of the Sassi

Located in the heart of Basilicata, Matera is one of the most fascinating cities in southern Italy, nestled on the Murgia plateau, a rocky area that stretches towards the Salento coast of Puglia and opens up to the south onto the Ionian Sea. This unique natural setting is the backdrop to a city that has preserved its uninterrupted history, from prehistoric times to the present day.

A city carved in stone: the Sassi di Matera
What makes Matera truly special is its oldest urban centre: the Sassi, a complex of dwellings, rock churches and caves carved directly into the limestone rock, perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape of canyons, ravines and plateaus. This symbiosis between man and nature has given rise to an extraordinary cultural and landscape heritage, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

European Capital of Culture and a symbol of cultural tourism

The prestigious title of European Capital of Culture 2019, awarded to Matera on October 17, 2014, propelled the city onto the international cultural scene, attracting the attention of tourists from around the world. Today, Matera is a true symbol of cultural tourism in Italy, thanks to its ability to tell ancient stories through every corner of its historic center.

A journey through art, culture, and traditions

Visiting Matera means taking a journey through time: from its prehistoric rock origins to Byzantine and Eastern influences, up to the Norman, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, each era has left a visible mark on the city's urban fabric. The centuries have shaped the rock-cut habitat, adapting it to European architectural styles, giving rise to original and fascinating urban solutions.

Authentic experiences in the heart of Basilicata
Matera captivates everyone who visits with its magnetic and timeless atmosphere. It is one of the few cities in the world where living testimonies of a rock-cut civilization can be observed, still perfectly discernible and integrated into modern life. Its rock-cut landscape, rich in cultural events, exhibitions, and international festivals, offers authentic experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Matera and Cinema
Matera has been chosen as a location for major film productions, thanks to its evocative settings that evoke bygone eras. Strolling through the narrow streets of the Sassi is a unique experience, where every stone tells a story and every glimpse offers unforgettable emotions.