Matera was already settled in the Neolithic period and is the oldest, continuously settled place on earth. It was built into the rock and is designated as a cave settlement. The historic districts are called the Sassi di Matera, and are a unique example of cave habitations in the Mediterranean area. They resemble a large sculpture and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1993.

The cave dwellings were carved into the gigantic limestone rock and extended with extensions over time. A large ramified complex was formed. On the surface, a tangle of narrow alleys, caves, squares and even cave churches were built. The roofs were used as paths or as floors for the overlying dwellings. The ingenious well and irrigation system exists since the Bronze Age and has been preserved until today.

Home to witty localities and film location for famous movies

Until the Second World War, up to 20,000 people lived in the cave habitations, mostly under poor hygienic conditions. Thus, a large part of the Sassi was closed and the people were re-located to the modern districts.