▲

The third-oldest city in the world, Matera, Italy was named the European Capital of Culture for 2019. The city's past hasn't always been the brightest, but its future certainly is. Browse this gallery to immerse yourself in its magical atmosphere.

▲Settlement in Matera dates back to around 10,000 years ago (Paleolithic period).

▲One hypothesis about the uncertain origin of the city's name is linked to the Greek word 'meteoron' (starry sky), because of the ancient custom of inhabitants placing light sources at the entrances of their houses.

▲Matera was the first southern Italian city to rise up against the Nazi occupation on September 21, 1943, with 26 people losing their lives.

▲Matera was dug into tuff, an easily workable magmatic rock.

▲The expression 'Sassi' indicates the center of Matera, which includes the two districts of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso.

▲The city lies in a small canyon carved out by the Gravina river.

▲Since 1993, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

▲UNESCO recognized, among other things, the perfect harmony between the architecture and the natural landscape that surrounds the city.

▲Don't miss the Madonna della Bruna and Sant'Eustachio Cathedral, built in the Romanesque style.

▲The interior has undergone several transformations over time, developing a Baroque appearance.

▲One of the most fascinating cave churches anywhere: visiting it is like literally entering a rock.

▲This marvelous place of worship was erected in the 12th century and is connected to an evocative frescoed crypt, built in the same period.

▲Going down the steps of the Church of Santa Maria di Idris, there is a second place of worship, the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, whose interior is characterized by a spectacular tuff aisle.

▲Matera is unique thanks to its amazing cave churches.

▲Some cave churches house unbelievable Byzantine frescoes.

▲Most of these churches date back to the High Middle Ages, but they were converted to other uses over time, such as shelters for animals.

▲These cave houses date back to prehistoric times. Some of them are luxury hotels now, with breathtaking views over Murgia National Park.

▲You can visit some reconstructions of former peasant houses.

▲Walking through the wonderful streets of the city will bring you back in time. Yet Matera has not always enjoyed good reputation.

▲In the '50s, due to poverty and the overcrowding of the city, inhabitants lived in caves in precarious conditions, without an adequate sewage system and sharing the space with farm animals.

▲Palmiro Togliatti, a late Italian political leader, referred to the Sassi of Matera as a "national shame," while statesman Alcide de Gasperi decreed the traumatic displacement of its inhabitants in 1950.

▲The recovery process of the city resulted in the selection of Matera as the European Capital of Culture for 2019.

▲

This title brought with it a lot of funding, which is being used to improve the city's facilities.

▲

One thing Matera has been great for is being used as the set for movies based in ancient times.

▲There have been many filmmakers who have chosen the city as the location to shoot their films.

▲Mel Gibson shot 'The Passion of the Christ' (2004) in Matera.

▲Pictured is Mel Gibson on set, in Matera, giving instructions to the cast.

▲Director Timur Bekmambetov chose Matera to set the latest version of 'Ben-Hur' (2016).

▲The great Italian director and intellectual Pier Paolo Pasolini chose the Sassi of Matera to represent Jerusalem in his 1964 film.