Matera, Italy

Matera is located in the southestern corner of Italy, people live in the same exact homes that their ancestors did 9,000 years ago. Matera was created from a rocky ravine and the many natural caves in the area – called the 'Sassi di Matera’ - were the first houses of the Neolithic inhabitants of the region. The caves create a labyrinth of houses, and it’s practically impossible to distinguish the natural rock formations from the ancient architecture. The houses seem to sprout from the rock in an organic way, creating somewhat of a tourist attraction from what was in the mid 20th century a ghost town. Matera was notably the setting for Mel Gibson’s film 'The Passion of the Christ’.

Apart from an economy which has traditionally been based on agriculture, in the late 1990s the major economic base of Matera, and of surrounding cities, is the production of upholstered furniture.

Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago.

To arrange your accommodation in Matera, check Booking.com for latest info on Hotels in Matera.

The ancient rock City of Matera, Italy...