Why Matera, Italy Is One Of The Country’s Most Underrated Vacation Spots
By Jenna Busch
VACATIONS
If you are visiting the region of Puglia, Italy, check out the ancient city of Matera. It is so old that it’s the second longest continuously inhabited spot after Petra, Jordan.
Matera has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age, and many of those who’ve resided there over the centuries had dwellings carved out of the soft tufa rock.
These places are called “sassi,” and homes, cisterns, churches, and tombs are carved out of them. The government made people leave and move, but today you can stay in one.
You can even enjoy dinner in one of these caves. Visit several churches like Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris, and Santa Lucia alle Malve, which is still in use.