Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Approach Matera from virtually any direction and your first glimpse of its famous
sassi
is
sure to stay in your memory forever. Haunting and beautiful, the
sassi
sprawl below the
rim of a yawning ravine like a giant nativity scene. The old town is simply unique and
warrants at least a day of exploration and aimless wandering. Although many buildings
are crumbling and abandoned, others have been restored and transformed into cosy
abodes, restaurants and swish cave-hotels. On the cliff top, the new town is a lively place,
with its elegant churches,
palazzi
and especially the pedestrianised Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
