The Sassi of Matera

UNESCO site

Matera is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, preserving evidence of rock-cut settlements from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Known as the “City of Stones,” its original urban core grew out of natural caves hewn into the rock and later shaped into ever-more complex structures within two vast natural amphitheatres: the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano.

You’ll visit a fully furnished cave dwelling to uncover the daily habits and customs of the Sassi’s former residents before their departure, and explore a rock-cut church. During the walk, we’ll stop at a traditional bakery to taste Pane di Matera—now a PGI-protected product—renowned for its fragrant aroma and distinctive flavour. Baked in round or crescent shapes using only stone-ground durum wheat semolina and natural yeast, this iconic bread is a delight even on its own.