Matera

Just 45 minutes from the villa, Matera feels like stepping back in time — a breathtaking city carved into golden stone, where winding alleyways, arched staircases, and ancient caves glow in the evening light. There’s a quiet magic here, where history whispers through every curve of the hillside.

Known for its iconic Sassi districts, Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with cave dwellings dating back over 9,000 years. Its haunting beauty has made it a favorite of filmmakers — from The Passion of the Christ to No Time to Die. Many of the once-abandoned cave homes are now reborn as cozy restaurants, artisan shops, and boutique hotels, blending ancient history with modern life.

As you wander the stone paths and hidden courtyards, take time to pause at a café carved into the rock or a terrace overlooking the ravine. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of local specialties or a quiet espresso as the golden light shifts across the Sassi — a simple moment that captures the timeless rhythm of Italian life.