The Sassi of Matera
Basilicata is a relatively unknown region, embedded between Calabria and Puglia. One does not stumble across this region accidentally but chooses to visit it in search of a new experience, plunging into places where silence, colors, scents and flavors remove the visitor from the frenzy and stress of modern life and offer unique sensations. The woods and forests that cover the mountains are dotted with small and charming villages, some even at an altitude of 1000 mt, where pure air, genuine flavors and the beauties of nature are combined with historical vestiges satisfying every curiosity. Even though it is a mainly internal region, Basilicata touches two seas: the Ionian and Tyrrhenian. On the Ionian side you can find the breathtaking Greek temple of Metaponto. But the absolute highlight of Basilicata is the UNESCO site of Matera Matera rises on a limestone plateau, dramatically perched above a 70-80 metre high canyon, crossed by the Gravina torrent. The area of Matera was continuously inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The specific districts of the Sassi were built in the late 5th century. The alternation of populations over time has left an intricate urban system, where the buildings overlap the natural cavities. The stunning scenario of Matera has been the set for many famous and less famous films, both national and international, including the spectacular "The Passion" by Mel Gibson, Wonder Woman and the lastest 007 movie, A Time to Die.
