“In the Sassi caves is concealed the capital of the peasants,
its heart hidden in their ancient civilization.
Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be awe-struck,
so expressive and touching is its sorrowful beauty.”
This is how Carlo Levi described Matera in 1952, but the artists who became fascinated with the charming beauty of this city are truly numerous. Giovanni Pascoli in 1884 said “Delle città in cui sono stato, Matera è quella che mi sorride di più, quella che vedo meglio ancora, attraverso un velo di poesia e malinconia”. (Of all the cities that I visited, Matera is the one that smiles at me the most, the one I still see best through a veil of poetry and melancholy.)
With the passing of the years, the city continues to provoke astonishment and to stand out for its scenery which is, according to many, spellbinding. Matera, named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, has been defined as the only one of its kind due to its contrasting configuration and scenery.
It’s the city of the Caverns, of the Entrenched Villages, of the peasant houses carved in the rock, of the frescoed Rocky Churches, of the grand Romanesque, Pugliese and Baroque Churches and of notable noble Palaces.
It’s the city that geologically calls to mind ancient Jerusalem and Cappadocia.
It was the destination of many people and their masterpieces, and continues to be the destination of great actors and directors who find in Matera a place made for filming their movies. Mel Gibson said “In fact the first time I saw it I just went crazy because it was so perfect”.
These photos will help you discover the richness of Matera and make you realize just how beautiful it is!
Image by: revolutionlollo
Image by: revolutionlollo
Image by: revolutionlollo
Image by: revolutionlollo
Image by: revolutionlollo
Image by: revolutionlollo
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