Matera
Italy
About Matera
Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city, famous for its ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs.
Best Time to Visit
April-June or September-October
Language
Italian (some English in tourist areas)
Population
60,000
Things to Do
- •Explore the ancient Sassi cave districts
- •Visit the Crypt of Original Sin
- •Hike in the surrounding gorge
- •Taste local wines from Basilicata
- •Visit the Matera Cathedral
- •Stay in a cave hotel
Fun Facts
- •Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city, dating back to the Paleolithic era
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993
- •Featured as a location in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"
- •Home to over 3,000 cave dwellings
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