Move Over Rome! The World’s 3rd Oldest City Has Become Italy’s Trendiest Destination

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30 is the brand new 40, 40 is the brand new 50, 50 is the brand new 60 and so forth and so forth — at the least that is what I inform myself as I slowly however absolutely creep up on the Big 4-0.

But the identical idea applies to journey.

Seeing the world these days is not all about flashy new resorts and prompting AI to plan your vacation.

In truth, extra vacationers are turning again the clock fairly than chasing shiny new issues, and there is no higher instance than the place persons are flocking in Italy proper now…

Rather than waste helpful trip time in Rome’s infamous lengthy traces and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, the world’s third-oldest inhabited metropolis is drawing extra vacationers for simply that — tangible layers of historical past with out sacrificing Italian delights all of us crave via meals, wine, and fascinating websites.

Italy is without doubt one of the most awe-inspiring international locations on Earth, nevertheless it’s not simply the Colosseum, Venice canals, and Tuscany’s rolling vineyards which can be luring vacationers — it is locations nonetheless deeply rooted of their previous, just like the UNESCO-protected metropolis of Matera, chock-full of historic cave dwellings and old-world appeal.

Matera: From Eyesore To Icon

Anyone who has travelled extensively has locations in thoughts they’re going to by no means return to for one motive or one other.

Believe it or not, ages in the past, many would say Matera was the final word no-go zone. Riddled with poverty throughout postwar instances, vacationers are actually saying ‘magnificence is within the eye of the beholder’.

Back then, many residents had no operating water and even shared residing quarters with livestock, similar to goats and donkeys.

The proof is within the pudding, not solely with tourism statistics and social media fame. Blockbuster movies like The Passion of the Christ used Matera’s timeworn cityscape as their backdrop to depict Biblical instances, they usually did not want CGI to make up for any oversaturated corners with Starbucks and McDonald’s logos.

Mel Gibson is probably not essentially the most charming, however the maze of stone stairways and weathered corridors right here in Matera absolutely are…

The city could also be small, dwelling to roughly 60,000 folks, however you may wander for hours and be amazed by its preservation and character.

It might have stood the check of time, however one has to surprise if it can now stand the check of fame with additional foot site visitors…

Matera’s Core Is UNESCO-Protected

However you select to order pizza and cannolis is one factor, however there’s one phrase you’ll positively wish to be taught in your journey to Matera:

Sassi (pronounced SAH-see).

The Sassi contains the aforementioned cave dwellings and postcard church buildings. It’s unquestionably essentially the most sought-after area of Matera.

UNESCO has taken the reins, holding the Sassi’s historic cloth protected and preserved since 1993— and thus far, so good.

According to TripAdvisor, one latest first-timer to Matera raved about their time right here, stating “Matera is one of the most impressive cities I have ever visited. The old sassi, houses carved into the rocks, create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Walking through the narrow streets is like going back in time – each curve opens up a new view of stone houses and churches”.

Stay In A Cave

It’s protected to say Matera is not caving to stress. Whether or not this metropolis, relationship again to the Paleolithic Era, is compelled to embrace a tourism rush or not is one factor, however what we all know for sure is that this is without doubt one of the most original locations in all of Europe to book a hotel (or Airbnb).

It’s true, vacationers aren’t coming right here only for strolling excursions and calling it a day — they’re really basing their journeys round the place to remain.

Not all of Matera’s caves are livable. In truth, many are simply cool photograph ops at this level.

That mentioned, some have been reworked into stylish boutique motels, similar to:

Best of all, you may rating a fantastic deal within the $100s per evening, particularly throughout winter and early spring.

Want to know our prime decide?

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita earns the Travel Off Path stamp of approval. It’s simply essentially the most distinctive keep as a result of it feels much less like a lodge and extra like spending the evening inside Matera’s historic previous — uncooked stone partitions, candlelit rooms, and unparalleled romance.

But be happy to scour Airbnb, too, for privately owned cave properties with extra consideration to element than motels have a tendency to supply.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.