Sassi di Matera, Matera Travel Guide

The Sassi di Matera, located in the Basilicata region of Italy, are a captivating example of human adaptation and ingenuity. This ancient settlement, comprised of the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso districts, features cave dwellings carved into the calcarenitic rock, locally called 'tufo'. Inhabited since the Paleolithic period, with evidence dating back to 7000 BC, the Sassi represent one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements.The Sassi's history is intertwined with the city of Matera itself. Over millennia, inhabitants transformed the rocky landscape into a functional city, with houses, churches, workshops, and cisterns carved from the same stone. The Sassi showcase a unique architectural style, where houses are often built on different levels, with the roof of one serving as the foundation for another.In the mid-20th century, the Sassi faced a period of hardship, with many residents living in poverty and unsanitary conditions. However, in recent decades, the Sassi have undergone a remarkable revitalization. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, the area has been carefully restored, transforming cave houses into hotels, restaurants, and businesses, attracting visitors from around the globe. Exploring the Sassi today means wandering through a living museum, where the past and present blend seamlessly.