Matera visit of the oldest city in the world, and dropping off Caro at the airport

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We woke up early to drive an hour from Bari to visit Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history stretching back over 7,000 years. Known as the "City of Sassi," Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, or "Sassi di Matera," carved into the limestone cliffs of the Gravina di Matera canyon. This troglodyte city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, captivates visitors with its unique blend of prehistoric architecture, winding stone alleyways, and breathtaking views.


Matera’s cinematic allure has made it a favored backdrop for major films, including Mel Gibson’s *The Passion of the Christ* (2004) and the James Bond film *No Time to Die* (2021), where its timeless, rugged landscapes added dramatic depth to key scenes. Beyond its Hollywood fame, Matera’s charm lies in its living history—many of the ancient caves have been transformed into modern homes, boutique hotels, restaurants, and museums, seamlessly blending the past with the present.


Exploring Matera feels like stepping into a time capsule. Visitors can wander through the Sassi districts, Barisano and Caveoso, to discover rock-hewn churches adorned with medieval frescoes, such as the Santa Maria de Idris or Santa Lucia alle Malve, that we didn't have time to visit.

We split up at the end of the day, as we wanted to quickly hike the grottos, while our friend wanted to further explore the city. 



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