{"id":983,"date":"2020-02-25T04:51:15","date_gmt":"2020-02-25T04:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.monasterystays.com\/?p=983"},"modified":"2021-03-11T01:34:27","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T01:34:27","slug":"is-matera-italys-best-kept-secret","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.monasterystays.com\/blog\/accommodation-tips\/is-matera-italys-best-kept-secret\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Matera Italy’s best kept secret?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Explore over 9000 years of history in southern Italy<\/h2>\n

Matera<\/a> looks like something out of a fairy tale. Its breathtaking appearance, with over 9000 years of human habitation hides an unreal past.<\/p>\n

Perched on the edge of a ravine in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, the sassi<\/i> of Matera<\/a> are a series of dwellings which were carved into rock thousands of years ago. Created as early as 7000BC, the area has an unfortunate history punctuated by poverty and disease. In recent years (especially since being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993), the caves have seen a remarkable transformation. Today you will find many of the caves converted into restaurants, bars, cafes and shops, with a bright and vibrant atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\"Matera,<\/a><\/div>\n

Exploring the City of Stone<\/h3>\n

Matera<\/a> has so much to offer and the city is eager to show off its remarkable past to guests who come to explore the town.<\/p>\n

There are two separate sassi<\/i> in Matera<\/a> – the Sasso Barisano<\/i> and the Sasso Caveoso<\/i>. Sitting on top of the hill overlooking the sassi<\/i> is the elegant Duomo di Matera, with the spire of the cathedral (pictured below) dominating the skyline.<\/p>\n

\"Matera,<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What to do in Matera<\/h3>\n