Paula Stanghetta January 6, 2022When it comes to hidden gems and places off-the-beaten-track in Italy, there are so many to share. One of my favourites is the region of Basilicata, and in particular the city of Matera. Why visit Matera? The region is located in southern Italy, nestled among the regions of Puglia, Calabria, and Campania and bordered by both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. This breathtakingly beautiful and ancient city defies description; it simply must be seen to be appreciated. However, I will do my best to convey enough of its charm and magnificence to inspire you to visit it someday.
Matera is old. Prehistoric old. In fact, it is believed to be the one of, if not the oldest, continually-inhabited settlements in the world. Evidence of human settlement here goes back to the Paleolithic age (10th millennium BC).
The Sassi
Matera is known for its ancient town, called Sassi di Matera. Sassi are caves – dwellings that are dug into the rock. They were the first ‘homes’ of Matera’s inhabitants. Over time, these small caverns, which housed humans and livestock, were built on top of each other, creating an intricate network of dwellings. Incredibly, residents occupied the Sassi until the 1950s, when the government of Italy relocated most of the population to new public housing in the modern area of the city. The Sassi were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Popular Filming Location
Matera’s landscape has often been used in films as a stand-in for ancient Jerusalem. Ben-Hur (2016), The Passion of the Christ (2004), and Mary Magdalene (2018) were all filmed here. More recently, (and having nothing to do with Jerusalem!), Wonder Woman (2017) and No Time to Die (2021) were also filmed in Matera.
Gorgeous Historic Churches
Matera has a main cathedral, two larger churches, and many smaller religious buildings dating back through centuries of the Christian faith. While the Christian tradition is long-standing, the whole region of Basilicata has been influenced by many other religious traditions, most notably, the Greek Orthodox.
Delicious Regional Food Traditions
Like many other towns in southern Italy, the food of Matera is dubbed peasant food or ‘cucina povera’. Two main specialties are ‘peperoni cruschi’, also known as the ‘red gold of Basilicata’, which is a sweet and dry pepper; and Pane di Matera, intensely flavoured and conical-shaped bread, which has PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status.
Unique Water System
Given its location atop a deep ravine called Gravina of Matera, the city had difficulty in providing water to its residents. A system of water channels and cisterns collected rainwater so that inhabitants had access to water. Today, these still exist and are augmented by superficial canals, hanging gardens, and cisterns in houses that help provide water supply.
Cultural Capital of Europe
Today, there are many thriving local businesses and Matera is among the fastest growing cities in southern Italy. It was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and celebrated for its unique contribution to Italy’s history as a country of culture.
Why Visit Matera, Italy? Why Not!
Though Matera is in the Basilicata region of Italy, MP TOURS visits the city in the neighbouring Puglia itinerary. It is one of the most enjoyed stops on the trip – regardless of the weather! To learn more about what to expect on an MP TOURS trip to Puglia (& Matera), check out this blog post too.
