Sassi of Matera: The City Carved in Stone

Matera is a city of timeless charm, where the past seems alive in every stone. Famous for its ancient Sassi, dwellings carved into the rock, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This unique place tells a story that stretches back thousands of years: Matera is believed to have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and an open-air museum.

Yet, until the mid-20th century, the Sassi were seen as a symbol of poverty and neglect in Italy. In 1952, the Italian government decided to evacuate the area, relocating around 15.000 people to new neighborhoods in an effort to improve living conditions. What was once considered a place of despair has now become a symbol of resilience and beauty.

One of Matera’s most remarkable features is its ingenious water management system. Beneath the Sassi lies a network of cisterns and canals designed to collect rainwater from terraces, rooftops, and streets, channeling it into underground reservoirs. Every home or cluster of houses had access to a private cistern, ensuring a sustainable water supply. Among these, the Palombaro Lungo is the most famous cistern and can still be visited today.

Exploring these cisterns reveals not only the technical skill of Matera's early inhabitants but also their ability to adapt to a challenging environment and turn it into a resource. It is thanks to this extraordinary harmony between nature and human ingenuity that the Sassi were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

After extensive restoration work, Matera has experienced a renaissance, becoming a beacon of renewal. In 2019, it was named the European Capital of Culture, a title that celebrates its outstanding historical and cultural heritage.

Today, the cave dwellings, once home to families and their animals, now house restaurants, art galleries, and carefully designed residences, all while retaining their authentic charm. Thanks to its unique and evocative landscape, Matera has also become a favored location for iconic films, such as The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson and No Time to Die, one of the latest James Bond films.

Visiting Matera is more than just exploring a city. It’s a journey through time, a testament to human ingenuity, and a chance to encounter the authentic beauty of a place that touches both the heart and the soul.