Matera is an incredible city in the south of Italy that we have discussed on many an occasion. Carved into cliff-sides in the region of Basilicata, the town is eight thousand years old and is an utterly unique and picturesque gem. If you find a vacation rental in Basilicata, it truly is a must-see.
This beautiful and ancient place will be more relevant than ever in the next couple of years as the European Capital of Culture 2019 (alongside Bulgaria's Plovdiv). Planning for the year began in 2014 and a whole calendar of events will take place next year, making the must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site even more fascinating and even richer in things to see and do.
This beautiful and ancient place will be more relevant than ever in the next couple of years as the European Capital of Culture 2019 (alongside Bulgaria's Plovdiv). Planning for the year began in 2014 and a whole calendar of events will take place next year, making the must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site even more fascinating and even richer in things to see and do.
Best known for its “sassi” (ancient cave dwellings) and its famous Pane di Matera bread, an IGP (or internationally recognised protected regional speciality), the town is set within a canyon carved out by the Gravina river and is one of the longest inhabited cities in the world. Furthermore, Matera is known for her wines and pasta and is an important culinary destination in Italy. It is a place where tradition is alive and one often feels transported into the past and, for these very reasons, was chosen to be a Capital of Culture.
For the event, an ambitious cultural program has been organised that sees the mixing of older and modern practices in the town and that will share its culture, art, economy and environment with the wider world.
For the event, an ambitious cultural program has been organised that sees the mixing of older and modern practices in the town and that will share its culture, art, economy and environment with the wider world.
There will be events like food and wine tours throughout the city; trips to nearby medieval castles; four major exhibitions, including the first significant investigation into the history of rock architecture; tours of the main cave housing and rock worship sites; a literary trail and more. Hoping to target more international tourists, in addition to Italians in the know, this will be an opportunity to make more of a name for the city globally.
To experience it for yourself, just get planning a trip to the city today – you won't be disappointed!
To experience it for yourself, just get planning a trip to the city today – you won't be disappointed!