Matera
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 16 September 2023
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Matera is situated on the eastern side of Basilicata, close to the regional border with Puglia.
In recent years the city has become the number one tourist destination in Basilicata after seminal moments such as being listed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1993) and its appearance in several Hollywood films including Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" in 2004. Previous to this, the city had spent many years in the doldrums and was considered among Italy's most poverty-stricken. |
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The Sassi of Matera and Rupestrian Churches
These days tourists flock to see Matera's "Sassi", the ancient town that dates back to the Troglodyte period around 10 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. This fascinating area is a honeycomb of tight, narrow streets where no two houses appear to be the same size or shape, creating a mysterious overall visual effect.
The other big attraction of Matera is its Rupestrian Churches. Carved out of the city's limestone rock, these churches built inside caves are unlike any you'll find elsewhere and also serve to tell the story of Matera's incredible history.
These days tourists flock to see Matera's "Sassi", the ancient town that dates back to the Troglodyte period around 10 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. This fascinating area is a honeycomb of tight, narrow streets where no two houses appear to be the same size or shape, creating a mysterious overall visual effect.
The other big attraction of Matera is its Rupestrian Churches. Carved out of the city's limestone rock, these churches built inside caves are unlike any you'll find elsewhere and also serve to tell the story of Matera's incredible history.
Matera Cathedral and Beyond the Sassi
Other places to visit include the beautiful and recently renovated Matera Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century while the square that surrounds it, Piazza Duomo is one of the best spots from which to view the Sassi. Also of interest is the Parco della Murgia Materana which lies just to the side of the city and forms part of the complex where the Rupestrian Churches are situated.
Other places to visit include the beautiful and recently renovated Matera Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century while the square that surrounds it, Piazza Duomo is one of the best spots from which to view the Sassi. Also of interest is the Parco della Murgia Materana which lies just to the side of the city and forms part of the complex where the Rupestrian Churches are situated.
Matera in the Movies
Aside from its appearance in Passion of the Christ, Matera hit the big screens again with the 2021 release of the James Bond film No Time to Die starring Daniel Craig.
Aside from its appearance in Passion of the Christ, Matera hit the big screens again with the 2021 release of the James Bond film No Time to Die starring Daniel Craig.
Comune di Matera
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Province: Matera
Region: Basilicata Population: 59,748 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 387 km² Elevation: 401 metres Top sights: Sassi, Rupestrian Churches, Matera Cathedral Close by: Montescaglioso, Miglionico, Ferrandina Recommended hotel: Il Belvedere |
Matera Travel
You can reach Matera by the usual means of public transport including the train. Although most visitors head for the Sassi there is also a much more modern side to the city which is interesting to visit in its own right.
This is after all an important administrative location being the capital of the eponymous province and the second most populous city in Basilicata after Potenza.
This is after all an important administrative location being the capital of the eponymous province and the second most populous city in Basilicata after Potenza.
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Fly to: Bari International Airport (84 km)
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Main train station: Stazione Centrale Matera (1 km from Sassi)
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
Year: 1993
The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
Year: 1993
