Matera – 2019 European Capital of Culture

Matera UNESCO World Heritage Site

Matera is best known for its extensive cave-dwelling districts, the “Sassi”, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The Sassi provide a stunning backdrop of stairways and narrow lanes, cave-houses carved out of the rock, rock churches with beautiful frescoes and elegant buildings.

Matera is the 2019 European Capital of Culture and offers plenty of attractions: visit one of its museums or go for a walk in the ancient town, steeped in history and art. It is well worth visiting the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, which consists of more than 150 rock churches, and soaking in their ancient spirituality.

In Matera you can also taste some of the traditional cuisine of Southern Italy, rich in typical products. Make sure you don’t miss the flavourful Matera bread (IGP).