10Matera, Italy

Tucked away in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is a city that seems to have emerged from the pages of a fairy tale.

Known as the “City of Stones,” Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as Sassi di Matera, which have been inhabited for over 9,000 years. These cave houses, carved into the rocky landscape, create a mesmerizing labyrinth of narrow alleys and staircases. Matera’s unique charm has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status, and it was even featured in the movie “The Passion of the Christ.”

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