Province of Matera
Basilicata
![The Sassi originate from a prehistoric troglodyte settlement and are suspected to be among the first human settlements in Italy. There is evidence that people were living here as early as the year 7000 BC.[2]
The Sassi are houses dug into the calcarenitic rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Apulia, locally called "tufo" although it is not volcanic tuff or tufa. Many of these dwellings are really only caverns, and the streets in some parts of the Sassi often run on top of other houses. The ancient town grew up on one slope of the ravine created by a river that is now a small stream. The ravine is known locally as "la Gravina".
In the 1950s, the government of Italy forcefully relocated most of the population of the Sassi to areas of the developing modern city. Riddled with malaria, the unhealthy living conditions were considered an affront to the new Italian Republic of Alcide De Gasperi.[3] However, people continued to live in the Sassi, and according to the English Fodor's guide[when?]:
Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago.
Until the late 1980s this was considered an area of poverty, since many of these houses were, and in some cases still are, uninhabitable. Current local administration, however, has become more tourism-oriented, and it has promoted the regeneration of the Sassi with the aid of the European Union, the government, UNESCO, and Hollywood. Today there are many thriving businesses, pubs, and hotels there, as described in a May 2015 New Yorker magazine article.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602067/ee8b639e-9537-4eee-bb69-84b65431a70c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Popular cities in Province of Matera
Matera
Known for Historical, Spas and Luxury
Known as the city of stone, this labyrinth of prehistoric dwellings and magnificent architecture provides an unforgettable trip.
Reasons to visit
- Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches
- Viewpoint of Matera and the Sassi
Pisticci
Known for Dining, Natural parks and Monuments
Experience the parks, monuments and local cuisine in Pisticci!
Policoro
Known for Ruins, Relaxing and Theatres
Get away to relaxing Policoro! Enjoy the ruins, theatre and beaches.
Nova Siri
Check out the local area in Nova Siri—home to attractions like Nova siri Marina and Ionian Sea.
Bernalda
Known for Monuments, Historical and Beaches
Trip time! Discover the monuments, history and beaches in Bernalda.
Scanzano Jonico
Known for Natural parks, Beaches and Historical
Scanzano Jonico awaits: its parks, beaches, history and more!
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- 3 Star Hotels in Matera
- 3 Star Hotels in Pomarico
- 3 Star Hotels in Sasso Caveoso
- 4 Star Hotels in Miglionico
- 5 Star Hotels in Matera
- Hotels near Aqvaworld Bluwellness Family Club
- Borgo Venusio Hotels
- Hotels near Church of Santa Maria de Idris
- Hotels near Crypt of the Original Sin
- Beach Hotels in Province of Matera
- Hotels with Restaurant in Ferrandina
- Apartments in Matera
- B&B in Matera
- Hostels in Matera
- Adventure Sport Hotels in Matera
- All Inclusive Hotels in Matera
- Beach Hotels in Matera
- Boutique Hotels in Matera
- Hotels with Bar in Matera
- Hotels with Parking in Matera
- Hotels with Pool in Matera
- Luxury Hotels in Matera
- Hotels with Spa in Matera
- Wedding Hotels in Matera
- Matera Hotels
- Residences in Matera
- Town Houses in Matera
- Hotels near National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata
- Hotels near Palombaro Lungo
- Villas in Province of Matera
- Hotels near Rock Churches of San Nicola dei Greci and Madonna delle Virtù
- Hotels near Viewpoint of Matera and the Sassi
