The Caves of Matera: A Look into Italy's Past

Matera is a city located in southern Italy, known for its ancient cave dwellings called Sassi. As I roamed the streets, I marvelled at the unique architecture of the homes built into the caves. The inhabitants of the Sassi lived in extreme poverty until the 1950s when they were moved to modern housing. The caves were abandoned until the 1980s when a renovation project began, and now, they are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also home to many ancient churches, such as the Cathedral of Matera and the Church of San Pietro Caveoso. The food in Matera is also delightful, with local dishes such as orecchiette and bread made in an ancient oven. Overall, my visit to Matera was a fascinating glimpse into Italy's history.