Free Photos of Matera

Matera is located in the region of Basilicata, in southern Italy. It is a historic city famous for its Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved out of the limestone cliffs that overlook the Gravina di Matera valley. The city has been inhabited continuously for over 7,000 years and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The Sassi were once the poorest and most overcrowded slums in Italy but have since been transformed into a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the narrow streets, stairways, cave churches and rock-hewn houses that make up the Sassi, and learn about the fascinating history of the people who once lived there. The city's architecture is a unique blend of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Baroque styles, with many churches, palaces, and other historic buildings to visit. Matera is also known for its regional cuisine, which includes dishes such as orecchiette pasta with cime di rapa (broccoli rabe) and peperoni cruschi (crispy dried peppers), as well as local wines such as Aglianico del Vulture. The city has a thriving food scene, with many restaurants and cafes serving traditional dishes and innovative modern cuisine. In recent years, Matera has become famous as a filming location, with movies such as The Passion of the Christ and the Netflix series, "The Young Pope" being shot in the city. The city has also been designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2019, with a year-long programme of events celebrating the city's heritage and contemporary culture. From food to history and culture, Matera offers a wealth of experiences for travelers to enjoy.