5 Fascinating Facts about Matera
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1. It’s One of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Human Settlements in the World
Often called “the third oldest city in the world” (after Jericho and Aleppo), the area of Matera has evidence of continuous human habitation for over 9,000 years. People have lived in its natural caves since the Paleolithic era, making it an unparalleled living museum of human history, from the Stone Age to the present day.
Where to stay: Corte San Pietro
Photo by Piermario Eva on Unsplash
2. The “Sassi” Are Not Just Caves, They’re a Complex Ancient City
The famous Sassi di Matera (Stones of Matera) are not simple holes in a cliff. They are a complex, ingenious urban ecosystem carved into the limestone ravine. The labyrinth of homes, churches, cisterns and streets was designed to collect and distribute precious rainwater, using a sophisticated system of channels and cisterns. It’s a masterpiece of prehistoric urban planning, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to stay: Casa d’Ciccilloz
Photo by Neil Bates onUnsplash
3. It Was Once Known as “Italy’s National Shame”
By the mid-20th century, the Sassi had become severely overcrowded and impoverished, with families living in squalor alongside their livestock, lacking electricity and running water. In 1945, writer Carlo Levi exposed these conditions in his book Christ Stopped at Eboli, leading to the Sassi being declared “a national disgrace.” The government forcibly relocated residents to new housing in the 1950s, leaving the ancient district a ghost town for decades.
Where to stay: Casa Badra
Photo by Valentin Lacoste on Unsplash
4. Its Renaissance Revival Made It a European Capital of Culture
After decades of abandonment, a grassroots movement began in the 1980s to reclaim and restore the Sassi. This dramatic rebirth culminated in Matera being designated the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Today, the once-abandoned caves have been transformed into stylish boutique hotels, restaurants, galleries, and museums—a stunning turnaround from its 20th-century fate.
Where to stay: Trullo Cavallerizza
Photo by Esteban Trivelli on Unsplash
5. It’s the Ultimate Cinematic “Biblical” Backdrop
The Sassi’s ancient, timeless appearance has made it a stand-in for ancient Jerusalem in countless films. It is famously the setting for Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Other major productions shot here include Pier Paolo Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew, Wonder Woman and the most recent James Bond film, No Time to Die. Walking through Matera feels like stepping onto a historic film set.
Where to stay: Trullo Satia
Photo by Riccardo Tuninato on Unsplash
