Matera is one of Italy’s

#europetrip Beyond its striking beauty, Matera is also a cultural hub, recognized as the European Capital of Culture in 2019. The city’s museums, art galleries, and local festivals celebrate its rich heritage and artistic spirit. Visitors can savor authentic Lucanian cuisine, from handmade orecchiette pasta to the region’s famous peperoni cruschi (crispy sun-dried peppers), paired with exquisite local wines. Matera’s cinematic landscape has also made it a favorite filming location, appearing in movies like The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die. Whether admiring breathtaking views from the Murgia plateau, wandering through centuries-old rupestrian churches, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this unique city, Matera leaves an unforgettable impression. A hidden pearl in southern Italy, it is a place of wonder, history, and timeless charm waiting to be discovered.