Matera's 'sassi' ranked world heritage

The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches at Matera, in the region of Basilicata, are the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region. This is how they are formally recognised by the United Nations World Heritage Committee. Meaning rock in English, the Sassi have been inhabited since Paleolithic times. Even a forced government relocation plan didn't shift everyone from their ancestral homes, predominantly in caverns and caves cut out of tufa rock, and so people continue to live in this rock of ages.

Adapted to the terrain and ecosystem and set above an impressive canyon, the Matera rocks bear the mark of later settlements. The civita section of the park forms part of the old town, used up to 4000 years ago during the Bronze Age.

In medieval times the barisano and caveoso sections of the rock were developed, with strong Greek Byzantine influence. These communities came from Cappadocia, Anatolia, Armenia, bringing with them the cave-dwelling traditions and techniques of their forbears.

Recently, Matera's aspect, with the troglodyte rock dwellings and subsequent development has been likened to ancient Jerusalem. The town was used as a set for this reason by Mel Gibson in the film, The Passion of the Christ.

In contrast to cinema, a traditional ceremony, the Festa della Madonna Bruna, is a more authentic, home-grown religious celebration. Every 2nd July for centuries, a statue of the brown-haired Madonna, patron of the town, has been carried in procession through the streets to the cathedral. Beginning at dawn, horse-borne knights accompany the Madonna's elaborately designed and decorated carriage, with a surprising climax to their journey in the cathedral piazza.

For its living example of prehistory, along with the town's religious heart and ravine view, Matera is a unique destination off Italy's beaten tourist track.