Matera
Do you enjoy sleeping, eating, and spending time in an ancient cave? If yes, the Matera is for you. Famous for being one of the world’s longest continuous human settlements, this jewel of Italy’s Basilicata region is simply spectacular. Inhabited non-stop for over 7000 years, Matera is made up of cave dwellings that transport you back to ancient times.
The ancient city known as Sassi has a series of limestone carved grottoes that sit on the edge of a ravine. You can sip an aperitivo, dine and even spend a night in these caves to get the full experience.
Matera is one of a kind, it has managed to remain undiscovered over the years because it is quite remote, and though it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 it is not an easy place to reach which puts it off the beaten path and makes it even more appealing to explore. Some of the ancient caves have been transformed into luxury hotels and restaurants so you don’t have to live off the ground unless you want to. Either way a trip to Matera is something you’ll live to remember.
