Matera trip planner

Famous for its resemblance to the ancient settlements of Jerusalem and Cappadocia, Matera remains one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It once was a grid of prehistoric cave settlements and subterranean slums. While still maintaining its ancient stone city aura, Matera has transformed into a thriving center of culture and tourism, thanks to its success as the backdrop for films such as "The Passion of the Christ." Explore dozens of stone-carved churches and the stacked homes of the ancient city center, which is a World Heritage Site, or walk the high perimeter of limestone cliffs surrounding the famous subterranean city. Matera is in Province of Matera. Add Matera and other destinations in Italy to your travel plans using our Italy trip planner .