An underrated city in Europe is not only among the best places to visit, it is also one of the oldest in the world.

The beautiful city of Matera in Italy is a hidden gem that offers several historical gems that can be explored without too many tourists.

Situated in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this destination continually amazes visitors with its distinctive architecture and charm. 

Celebrated as one of the most authentic Italian experiences, it is reputed to be among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. 

Its origins date back to the Paleolithic era, around the 10th millennium BC.

Matera is most famous for the “Sassi,” ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone rocks. These cave homes are believed to be among the first human settlements in Italy, with evidence of habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era.

In 1993, the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical importance and exceptional preservation.

The city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, which brought renewed attention and investment to the city, fostering cultural and artistic activities.

Its unique landscape has made it a popular filming location for several movies, including Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” and the James Bond film “No Time to Die.”

Matera also has a rich Christian heritage, featuring numerous buildings and churches carved from the region’s calcarenite rock. Notably, the Crypt of the Original Sin, a cave decorated with ancient Biblical frescoes, is often called “the Sistine Chapel of rock churches.”

The city experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an attractive destination year-round.

Outdoor markets are a common sight in Matera, particularly near Piazza Vittorio Veneto, offering homemade goods like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Traditional restaurants serve local delicacies, including the city’s renowned bread made from Basilicata durum wheat, which is a key ingredient in the famous cialledda salad.

A direct flight from London to Bari in Italy on September 8 comes at around £81. One can take a bus or book a taxi from Bari to Matera to cover 40 miles of distance. 

Holidaymakers have been left mesmerised by the city’s “breathtaking views”.

One user wrote on TripAdvisor forum: “Matera is an amazing place. It’s so ancient that filmmakers & historians feel it is what Old Jerusalem may have looked like – Mel Gibson’s recent film The Passion used Matera as a real-life film set (there are a few signed photos around in cafes!) 

“Modern Matera is fairly ordinary but as our taxi swept around the corner from the train station and down to the old city (the ‘Sassi’) the view was just breathtaking. I’m glad we stayed in the ‘Sassi’ (it means stone) old part of Matera because it was so peaceful and beautiful at night.”

A second person commented: “Arriving during the siesta after a train trip from bari, carrying our heavy backpacks. We entered the first coffee bar and were overwhelmed with free espresso, genuine interest, and even an offer to help carry our packs to the youth hostel at Hotel Sassi.

“The sister of the hotel owner proceeded to guide us down into the unbelievably scenic old town where we stayed in the hollowed-out domed rooms of the budget section.

“We discovered the fresh food market, explored the old and new town, and heard all about the sad history of the Sassi museum owner.

“The old city has become a movie location [the passion of the Christ, etc] but what we enjoyed was the novelty of very few tourists, the hospitality, and the excitement when people found out that we were from South Africa…..the S A forces liberated the region in 1944 after landing at Taranto.

“After four days, we had to catch a train to get to the toe of Italy and the Aeolian islands….passing through the most scenic area straight out of a child story book..unspoiled by mass tourism.”