The peculiarity of the city of Matera is the characteristic historical center built in the so-called "Sassi".

Unique in the world, Civita di Matera is an entire city built in the "tufi", the limestone that characterizes the territory in the so-called Gravina.

Underground labyrinths, caves and suggestive buildings carved into the rock make up this unique and rare inhabited center.

Getting lost among these alleys will be a pleasure in the rediscovery of a precious peasant civilization, accompanied by a wonderful panorama.

In 2019, Matera became the center of the world, because it became the European Capital of Culture.

The project of the European Capitals of Culture aims to enhance the richness, diversity and common characteristics of European cultures, thus helping to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between citizens of the European Union. Matera is the fourth Italian city to be designated after Florence (1986), Bologna (2000) and Genoa (2004).

Matera, which has chosen the theme "Open future", wants to make the most of this opportunity to demonstrate that culture can contribute to building a better and more inclusive Europe.