The Stark Beauty of Matera's Sassi

The Sassi of Matera is a complex of cave dwellings carved into the rock. The place's history spans back to the Paleolithic era and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It is known for its stark beauty, unusual dwellings, and ancient crafts. The Sassi contrasts esthetically and historically with the grandeur of Villa Adriana, the opulence of Villa D'este, and the beauty of Tuscany or Cinque Terre. The cave-like homes are strangely familiar yet so different from human dwellings. My sensors picked up on a sense of ruggedness and self-sufficient living amongst the people who live there. The city has many small shops selling local pottery and crafts. The restaurant 'Ristorante Francesca' had excellent local cuisine. I recommend the pasta with horsemeat. In all, the stark beauty of Matera's Sassi and its unique history make it a must-see.