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
Bernalda
Known for Monuments, Historical and Beaches
Trip time! Discover the monuments, history, and beaches in Bernalda.
Policoro
Known for Ruins, Relaxing and Theaters
Get away to relaxing Policoro! Enjoy the ruins, theater, and beaches.
Scanzano Jonico
Known for Natural parks, Beaches and Historical
Scanzano Jonico awaits: its parks, beaches, history, and more!
Pisticci
Known for Dining, Natural parks and Monuments
Experience the parks, monuments, and local cuisine in Pisticci!
Miglionico
Known for Historical
Trip time! Discover the history in Miglionico.
