European Capital of Culture 2019
A recent photograph of Matera shows us a special and unique destination where art, culture and scenic beauty come together perfectly. Proclaimed European Capital of Culture for 2019, it has become famous for the Sassi, a World Heritage Site since 1993 and the first site in southern Italy to achieve this recognition, and the place where the historic centre is concentrated. This charming, urban core best represents the wise use, over the centuries, of the resources that come only from nature, namely land, water and energy.
Matera was the European Capital of Culture in 2019
The Rupestrian Churches carved into the tufa rock and enveloped in a romantic and impressive atmosphere. The most important ones are the Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve and the Madonna dell’Idris, symbols of how man has managed to be in complete symbiosis with his surroundings. If you are planning your holiday in Matera, don’t miss Parco della Murgia Materana, also known as the Regional Archaeological Historical and Natural Park of the Rock Churches, consisting of 20 kilometres of canyons where birdwatching activities are possible. Many directors have chosen the Lucania location as the set for their films, such as Pier Paolo Pasolini with his ‘The Gospel according to St. Matthew’, Mel Gibson with ‘The Passion of the Christ’, Michele Placido with ‘Of Lost Love’ and Giuseppe Tornatore’s ‘Man of the Stars’.
This ancient village is also famous for its gastronomic delicacies: from the I.G.P.-recognised bread and peperoni cruschi, to meat and fish specialities. A simple culinary tradition that knows how to exalt the raw materials and be tasty in every dish!
Sassi di Matera have been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1993