Matera, ITALY

The cave city of Italy, Matera, is located in the southern region of Basilicata. The rocky outcrop of Sassi di Matera comprises troglodyte houses, churches, monasteries, and hermitages spread over 1,016 hectares. It dates back to the Paleolithic period and has been continuously inhabited for 8,000 years—except for a period between 1950s and 1980s, when the region was hit by poverty and disease and the entire population was relocated by the government. By 1990, locals began returning and restoring the old caves. In 1993, Matera was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it now houses a charming mix of restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels. italia.it