The Ancient City of Caves

Matera, a city located in southern Italy, is known for its ancient cave dwellings or 'Sassi'. These caves are made out of limestone and have been turned into homes, restaurants, and hotels. The city has a rich history dating back over 7,000 years and has been inhabited continuously since the Paleolithic era. Walking through the narrow alleys and stairways of the Sassi is like traveling back in time. The view of the city from the Belvedere is breathtaking. Matera has also been designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2019.