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Matera, Italy 🇮🇹

Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located in southern Italy in the region of Basilicata.

Its most famous feature is the Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs. People have lived in these caves for over 9,000 years, since prehistoric times. The caves were gradually expanded into houses, churches, and entire neighborhoods.

For many centuries, Matera was a very poor area, and many families lived in the caves without electricity or running water until the 1950s. The Italian government later relocated residents and restored the historic area.

Today, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. In 2019, it was also named the European Capital of Culture 2019, bringing international attention to its unique history and architecture.