Europe destination

Travel in Italy

Notes from Italy, including Matera.

Matera's lit Sassi and cathedral ridge at night Europe

Basilicata, Italy

What to See in Matera, the Italian City Carved Into Rock

A cave city, a national disgrace and a European Capital of Culture - all within the lifetime of the city.

I lived in Matera during its year as European Capital of Culture. A guide to the Sassi, and to a city that went from national shame to UNESCO in a lifetime.

Published: August 27, 2026 Matera