The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera Gallery

Sassi di Matera, Basilicata, Italy

Lonely Planet describes Matera as Italy's most extraordinary town" due to it's incredible old town, the Sassi (i sassi). These stone houses, built into the rock and caves, were once home to a poverty stricken population, often living without running water. It wasn't until the 1950's that the Italian government started to relocate the population.The section in this photo is only a fraction of the sassi, which covers a large area.The Sassi was made a UNESCO world heritage site in 1993, and has since been making a slow revival, and is now full of bed and breakfasts

© 2009 Emma Gawen

Townscape of the Sassi quarter, with the Cathedral of Madonna Santissima della Bruna atop

Townscape of the Sassi quarter, with the Cathedral of Madonna Santissima della Bruna atop. Matera, Basilicata region, Italy

© ClickAlps / AWL Images

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The ancient Matera Cathedral in the historical center called Sassi perched on rocks on top of hill

The ancient Matera Cathedral in the historical center called Sassi perched on rocks on top of hill, Matera, Basilicata, Italy, Europe

© Roberto Moiola

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