The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
Italy ·
Description
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world, with caves dug into the tufa cliffs of a ravine occupied since the Paleolithic. The sassi, as the cave districts are called, became notorious in the 1950s as a place of extreme poverty and were evacuated; today restored as boutique hotels and homes, they form one of Italy’s most cinematic landscapes and inspired Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
UNESCO recognized Matera as the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Several sassi are now cave hotels offering authentic (and comfortable) stone-carved rooms.
Belvedere di Murgia Timone across the ravine gives the classic panorama of the sassi.
Dozens of rock-hewn churches with frescoes dot the park across the gorge — hike to at least a few.
Train/bus from Bari (1 hour), or car. No direct airport.
Spring and autumn. Summer midday heat on the stones is intense.