matera

The oldest city in the world

the city made of stone

unesco

where, until the end of the 20th century, people lived in cave houses, sharing their dwellings with animals

World Heritage Site

unesco

where, until the end of the 20th century, people lived in cave houses, sharing their dwellings with animals

World Heritage Site

Out of time and above time

history

of an ancient city carved into the rocks

A city founded by the Roman Empire in the 3rd century BC. But it was inhabited even before its official status. People have lived here since the "stick digger" was invented

8,000 years

The historic centre of the city is cave houses and temples, and ordinary houses built around it

400 km²

The size of the city's population. Everyone knows each other. And there is a cordial atmosphere of one family

60,000

1950

1993

A city with eight centuries of history was almost rolled in concrete. Said to be a "disgrace to Italy", that these cliff dwellings were slums and spoilt the view

And it is only thanks to the enthusiastic local residents and true connoisseurs of their land, and their efforts, that the difficult situation of the Matera has been brought to their attention

A miracle has happened and the city comes under UNESCO protection

Residents were resettled in normal houses and money was allocated for urban redevelopment

heroes

of this town

It is the people with their love of their homeland, their tenacity and perseverance who have done all they could to bring attention to the problem

One of the local heroes is architect Antonio Acito

After graduating from university in Florence, he returned to his native Matera and headed up a project to redevelop the city. Even his staff did not believe that anything could come out of it. They said it was crazy

But now they say with pride and respect that they were wrong. Showing their respect and admiration

Raffaelo de Ruggeri is mayor of Matera and archaeologist

He was the first to discover the temple of 100 saints in the caves underground, with sensational ancient frescoes, when he led a research expedition in 1961

The true guardians of the temple were the flock of sheep

The city is full of ancient architecture and ancient churches, charming narrow streets and alleys, stone staircases and vantage points with stunning views

The cityscape of Matera has retained its "biblical character" in a way and walking through its ancient streets is like stepping back in time. This is why the city is often used as a natural backdrop for historical films

movies

have been made here

The Passion of the Christ

Directed by Mel Gibson, 2004 г

No Time To Die

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, 2020 г

Italy is presented from a rather unfamiliar angle. a veritable terra incognita. Matera surprises even seasoned Italian aficionados

Matera is situated on the south of Italy, in the Basilicata region, almost on the border with Puglia

is between the "toe" and "heel" of Italy's famous "boot". This is near the city of Bari

location

Italy is presented from a rather unfamiliar angle. a veritable terra incognita. Matera surprises even seasoned Italian aficionados

Matera is situated on the south of Italy, in the Basilicata region, almost on the border with Puglia

is between the "toe" and "heel" of Italy's famous "boot". This is near the city of Bari

location

2

A grand and unusual event is taking place in Matera, absolutely unique

Main event of the city

July

Feast of Madonna della Bruna

It is a historical costume event, celebrated only in Matera, with all the traditions from the 14th century to the present day being respected

The main act of the holiday is to smash the wagon with the statue of the Virgin Mary. And pick up a piece for good luck and fortune

Benvenuti

Capital

European

The old town is called Sassi di Matera (sassi means 'stones' in Italian): it rises literally from the rock. Almost all of the houses here are carved into the limestone rock in tiers, and some of the streets run right up to the stone roofs