The Oldest City In Italy Carved Into Stone — And One Of The Oldest In The World

Hidden among the rolling hills of southern Italy lies a city that seems to defy time itself. Carved directly into limestone cliffs, Matera stands as one of humanity’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, dating back over 9,000 years.

Once called ‘the shame of Italy’ for its extreme poverty, this remarkable stone city has transformed into a celebrated cultural treasure and breathtaking tourist destination.

1. A City Etched In Time: Why Matera Matters

A City Etched In Time: Why Matera Matters
© Inspired Travel Designs

Imagine walking through streets where humans have lived since prehistoric times. Matera’s cave dwellings, called ‘sassi,’ represent one of the first human settlements in Italy.

The unique landscape earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993, recognizing these stone habitations as outstanding examples of human adaptation to environmental conditions. Visitors often describe feeling transported through millennia when exploring its winding pathways.

2. Where Old Meets New: The Soulful Contrast Of Matera

Where Old Meets New: The Soulful Contrast Of Matera
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Centuries-old cave homes now house boutique hotels where visitors sleep within ancient walls. Matera brilliantly balances preservation with innovation, turning former poverty-stricken dwellings into thriving businesses.

Local artisans craft contemporary works in traditional spaces, while restaurants serve modern interpretations of regional cuisine in dining rooms carved from limestone. This remarkable transformation from Italy’s ‘national shame’ to European Capital of Culture 2019 showcases resilience.

3. Sassi Di Matera

Sassi Di Matera
© Italy

Honeycombed across the ravine are hundreds of cave dwellings forming Italy’s most unique neighborhood. The Sassi districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano contain homes, churches and cisterns carved directly into tufa limestone.

People inhabited these caves continuously since Paleolithic times, developing sophisticated water collection systems and communal spaces. Today, wandering through these labyrinthine streets offers glimpses into humanity’s earliest urban planning.

4. Casa Grotta Di Vico Solitario

Casa Grotta Di Vico Solitario
© Matera online

Step back in time through this perfectly preserved cave dwelling showcasing how locals lived until the 1950s. Inside the Casa Grotta, simple furnishings reveal harsh living conditions where families shared space with livestock for warmth.

Tools, kitchen implements, and traditional beds demonstrate resourceful adaptation to cave life. Visitors typically spend 30 minutes here, gaining intimate understanding of the challenging existence that once defined Matera’s reputation.

5. Matera Cathedral

Matera Cathedral
© O Thessalonikios

Perched majestically atop the highest point of the ancient city stands a stunning Romanesque masterpiece. The cathedral dates back to the 13th century and features a soaring bell tower visible throughout the sassi districts.

Inside Matera Cathedral, visitors discover richly detailed frescoes depicting biblical scenes and an intricately carved wooden ceiling. The limestone facade glows golden at sunset, creating a breathtaking contrast against the rugged cave dwellings below.

6. Palombaro Lungo

Palombaro Lungo
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Hidden beneath the central square lies an engineering marvel carved from solid rock. This massive underground cistern once supplied precious water to Matera’s residents through an ingenious collection system.

The Palombaro Lungo, accessible via guided tour, features cathedral-like chambers with vaulted ceilings reflected in crystal-clear water pools. Visitors descend stone staircases into this subterranean wonder, experiencing firsthand how ancient inhabitants conquered water scarcity in their arid environment.

7. MUSMA (Museum Of Contemporary Sculpture)

MUSMA (Museum Of Contemporary Sculpture)
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Contemporary art finds an unlikely home within 16th-century caves at this extraordinary museum. Striking modern sculptures create fascinating dialogues with ancient stone walls, where light plays through natural openings.

The collection features works by Italian and international artists specifically created to interact with the unique cave environment. Wandering through interconnected chambers, visitors experience how cutting-edge creativity thrives within spaces occupied by humans for thousands of years.

8. Matera Through The Senses: Food, Views, And Atmosphere

Matera Through The Senses: Food, Views, And Atmosphere
© Earth Trekkers

Crusty bread baked in ancient stone ovens pairs perfectly with local sheep’s milk cheese while dining on terraces overlooking the dramatic ravine. Matera engages all senses with its unique cuisine featuring orecchiette pasta, lamb dishes, and local wines.

The most magical viewpoint comes from across the ravine at sunset, when golden light bathes the stone city. Evening brings a special atmosphere as cave restaurants glow warmly and church bells echo across stone canyons.

9. Practical Tips For Visiting Matera

Practical Tips For Visiting Matera
© Earth Trekkers

Comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential for navigating steep, slippery stone streets throughout your visit. The best times to explore Matera are spring and fall, when temperatures are pleasant for climbing the many staircases.

Most visitors arrive via train from Bari (about 1.5 hours) or rental car. Once in Matera, everything is walkable, though the elevation changes make electric bike rentals popular. Book accommodations in a cave hotel for the authentic experience.