As we move into autumn, the weather starts getting colder and the days shorter so it’s common for people from the UK to seek warmer climates.
Sun-seekers travel to destinations with higher temperatures to soak in the last bit of summer, and hotspots in Europe are a popular choice for Brits thanks to their short flight times. For example, Spain, France, Greece and Italy regularly see British tourists.
When thinking of a holiday to Italy, major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan come to mind, as well as coastal spots like the Amalfi Coast. However, one hidden Italian gem that is equally worth visiting is Matera.
This ancient city is located in the southern region of Basilicata and is famous for its extensive cave dwelling district, the Sassi, which has been inhabited for at least 9,000 years. Matera has a wealth of history and its Mediterranean climate is one attraction for visitors, especially from the UK.
October is a particularly ideal time to visit the Italian city as the average high temperature is 23C, with up to 27C possible, and tourists can enjoy the site without facing the summer crowds. Kathy, a travel content creator from New York, shared a video on TikTok giving viewers a glimpse at Matera, which is known as the ‘City of Stone’.
The short clip displays the cave houses and a lane alongside the picturesque stone buildings on a cliff. The TikTok post caption reads: “Matera, a truly magical historical city like no other city. The oldest city in Italy and possibly all of Europe. It’s 9,000 years old!
“I highly recommend staying at least one night to fully experience the magic. Sunset is stunning, dinner in the cave-like restaurants is memorable, and sunrise is even better.”
The travel fan described Matera as “truly breathtaking” and “easily one of my favourite places to visit while traveling through Puglia.” Matera saw hundreds of families living in crowded conditions in the cave houses of the Sassi until the 1950s.
The poverty and malaria-infested environment grew into a national disgrace, leading authorities to mandate the relocation of cave dwellers into modern housing on the plateau above. By the 1980s, Matera’s deserted caves were no longer seen as shameful, but instead as intriguing relics of history.
In 1993 the city was made a UNESCO World Heritage site, for being “the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem”, according to Italy Heaven.
Matera also provided the backdrop for the 25th James Bond film No Time to Die and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of Christ. The Sassi is the main tourist attraction in the southern Italy city but there is also Casa Noha, a museum that offers an immersive experience detailing Matera’s history, the 13th century Matera Cathedral that offers panoramic views of the city, Murgia Materana Park for visitors who enjoy hiking and there are many cave hotels providing accommodation and a chance to experience Matera’s unique architecture.
Tourists from the UK can travel to Matera by flying into Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla, the nearest airport, and then taking a bus or private transfer for the remaining one-hour journey. Matera is also easy to reach from various Italian cities and Bari is the main gateway.
Kathy’s TikTok video has garnered more than 50 comments, with other users sharing positive opinions on Matera. One said: “One of the most beautiful places I have visited, truly amazing.”
Another added: “Currently in Matera now, one of my favourite places we [have] visited. A third exclaimed: “Dreamy!”