Secret Gem of Italy: Matera

Matera, Italy

Why Matera is a Hidden Gem

Ancient Cave Dwellings (Sassi di Matera)

Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its cave dwellings, carved into limestone cliffs, look like something out of a storybook. Many are now boutique hotels and restaurants.

Atmosphere Unlike Anywhere Else

Walking through Matera feels like stepping back in time. The stone houses, winding alleys, and candlelit courtyards give it a magical, almost biblical feel (it’s been used as a filming location for movies like The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die).

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Sassi are recognized for their cultural significance, and the entire city has been beautifully preserved while still feeling authentic and lived-in.

Food & Tradition

Matera is known for hearty Southern Italian cuisine and its famous pane di Matera (a rustic bread with a centuries-old recipe). Pair it with local olive oil and wines for a true taste of the region.

Less Crowded

Unlike Florence or Venice, Matera doesn’t see overwhelming tourist numbers, so you can enjoy its beauty at a slower, more intimate pace.

Matera feels like discovering a secret world—historic, soulful, and unforgettable.