Stone by Stone, Century by Century
Matera isn’t just ancient, it’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world! People have been living here for over 10,000 years in homes carved right into the hillsides. This place has so many stories to it for you to discover. The heart of Matera is the Sassi, an entire city built from stone, with cave homes, churches, and streets thatclimb up and down the cliffs. Walking through the Sassi is like stepping into another time and what's even more incredible is that these structures are still lived in today.
From Sacred Streets to Cinema Screens
Matera has earned the nickname “Little Jerusalem" for its biblical appearance. Its ancient stone buildings, winding alleys, and raw, rugged beauty have made it a popular location for filmmakers to set their movies in. You may have already seen Matera without even realizing. It’s the backdrop for The Passion of the Christ, where it stood in for Jerusalem, and more recently, the setting for James Bond’s No Time to Die. You can experience the cinematic magic walking through those streets, standing where the scenes were filmed, and just experiencing the atmosphere in real life. It’s not just about seeing a location. It’s about stepping inside the story. You can walk the same stone paths where Bond raced through ancient streets, or stand in the silent, powerful settings that brought The Passion to life. Matera let's you feel and step into these cinematic scenes.
In addition to its unique homes, Matera is home to over 150 rock-hewn churches. These ancient places of worship were carved directly intothe stone. It’s like discovering a hidden world of spiritual art that most people don't know about and never get to see. These churches have stories that go back thousands years and is something you can truly feel as you walk through them.
Matera is truly an extraordinary places to visit. An ancient city with dramatic cliffside views and stories embedded in every stone. It’s a place that demands to be seen. VIP Travel Experience creates exclusive journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Let us take you to Matera, where you’ll experience not only its cinematic beauty but also the rich history and quiet luxury that makes this city unlike any other. Your adventure to Matera awaits, CLICK HERE and we can make it happen!