Matera: Italy's ancient stone city of cave dwellings

Matera, located in Italy's Basilicata region, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning 9,000 to 10,000 years. The city is characterized by its unique architecture, specifically the Sassi di Matera, a labyrinth of dwellings carved directly into limestone cliffs by the Gravina River.

While now a global cultural phenomenon, Matera's recent history was marked by extreme poverty. Until the mid-20th century, families lived in cave dwellings without electricity, running water, or sewage, often sharing space with livestock.

A significant turning point occurred in the 1980s when artists and enthusiasts began renovating the abandoned structures, preserving their authenticity while integrating modern amenities. This revitalization led to UNESCO declaring Matera a World Heritage site in 1993.