The Sassi di Matera are an extraordinary example of ancient and sustainable human settlement in the southern region of Basilicata, Italy. These stone dwellings, etched into the limestone cliffs of Matera, represent one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with origins dating back over 7,000 years.

What makes the Sassi so fascinating is their seamless blend with the natural landscape, as ancient locals used the existing rock formations to create homes, churches, and storerooms in a way that has attracted attention for its ingenuity and sustainability.