9Matera, Basilicata

Matera, situated in the southern region of Basilicata, is a village that seems to have sprung from the pages of history.

Famous for its ancient cave dwellings known as “sassi,” Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Today, the sassi have been transformed into unique hotels, restaurants, and shops, making Matera a captivating blend of the past and present.