Carved into the hard limestone cliffs of southern Italy, Sassi di Matera is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
This ancient network of cave dwellings, rock churches and winding alleyways has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, blending striking landscapes and authentic traditions that feel like a rustic Italian folktale. Overlooking a huge ravine, the Sassi reveals layer upon layer of history, with stone homes, hidden staircases and terraces chiselled straight into natural rock. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, it remains one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.
As you meander through its cobblestone alleys, you can actually step inside cave houses, visit rupestrian churches embellished with centuries-old frescoes and follow narrow trails that lead to eye-catching views of the gorge. The Sassi’s raw, cinematic beauty has also made it a favourite filming location for big-name movies like The Passion of the Christ and the James Bond flick No Time to Die. Once considered one of Italy’s poorest areas, the Sassi has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now home to boutique hotels, restaurants and cultural spaces carved directly into the rock.
