Matera’s history dates back thousands of years, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
The city’s most iconic feature is the Sassi di Matera, a collection of cave dwellings carved into the rocky cliffs of the Gravina River gorge. These dwellings have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, and some are believed to be over 9,000 years old. Throughout its history, Matera has faced its fair share of challenges, including poverty and overcrowding. However, it has also seen periods of prosperity and cultural growth. Today, Matera is a thriving city that has embraced its ancient heritage while modernizing for the future.