Matera is an interesting city in the Basilicata region of southern Italy known for its picturesque sassi districts, a large ravine divided into two parts with cave dwellings and rupestrian churches dug into the soft limestone.

The sassi date from prehistoric times and were used as housing until the 1950's when residents, primarily living in poverty-stricken conditions, were relocated.

Today the sassi districts are a fascinating sight that can be viewed from above and explored on foot. There are several rupestrian churches open to the public, a reproduction of a typical cave house that you can visit, and refurbished caves made into hotels and restaurants. The sassi districts are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

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