Giardini di Pietra

Matera is a city and the capital of the Province of Matera in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy. With a history of continuous occupation dating back to prehistory, it is renowned for its rock-cut urban core, whose twin cliffside zones are known collectively as the Sassi.

One of the most remarkable things about Matera is its ancient cave dwellings, known as Sassi. These are homes and businesses carved into the rock formations that surround the city, and they have been inhabited for thousands of years. In fact, Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era.

As you explore Matera, you'll be amazed by the intricate network of narrow streets, stairways, and underground passages that make up the city's historic center. You'll see beautiful churches, palaces, and other buildings that have been built into the rock, as well as stunning views of the surrounding countryside.