MATERA - Italy

Matera, located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. It is famous for its ancient cave dwelling districts, known as the Sassi, which have transformed from a place of extreme poverty and "national shame" in the mid-20th century to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major cultural destination. Historical Heart: The Sassi The Sassi di Matera consist of two districts—Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso—where houses are literally carved into the limestone rock. Until the 1950s, thousands of people lived here in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, leading to a forced government relocation. Today, these caves have been restored into boutique hotels, restaurants, and museums. Cave Dwellings: You can visit the Cave House in the Sassi of Matera (Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario) to see how families and livestock lived together in a single room until just decades ago. Rock Churches: The city is home to over 150 rupestrian churches. The Church of Saint Mary of Idris, perched on a rock overlooking the canyon, is famous for its Byzantine-style frescoes. Underground Engineering: Discover the Long Cistern (Palombaro Lungo), a massive 19th-century subterranean water tank beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto that held up to 5 million liters of water. Panoramic Views and Landmarks The city's unique, monochromatic limestone architecture creates a dramatic skyline that changes beautifully with the sun. Skyline Dominance: The Cathedral Basilica of Matera, built in the 13th-century Apulian Romanesque style, sits at the city's highest point and offers an iconic silhouette. Breathtaking Viewpoints: The Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli is a favorite spot for photographers, offering a sweeping view of the Sassi and the Gravina canyon. Art in Caves: The MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture) is set within the 17th-century Palazzo Pomarici and adjacent caves, blending modern art with ancient stone architecture. Cinematic Matera The city’s "otherworldly" and biblical appearance has made it a favorite location for major films. Biblical Settings: Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and Pier Paolo Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew both used Matera as a stand-in for ancient Jerusalem. Blockbuster Action: Modern audiences will recognize the narrow lanes from the high-speed car chase in James Bond’s No Time to Die or as the Amazonian city of Themyscira in Wonder Woman. Directly across the ravine from the city is the Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana. This rugged park contains prehistoric caves and some of the best vantage points for looking back at the city. Many visitors enjoy hiking across the Tibetan-style suspension bridge that spans the Gravina river to reach the park. ****************************************************************************************************** For all my friends, don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE ok... THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ****************************************************************************************************** Music and instrument in this content can be downloaded and used for free from YOUTUBE Studio Audio library. ******************************************************************************************************