Matera is based in the Basilicata reagion of southern Italy, a little known gem with astounding beauty and history. The old town of Sassi dates back to a prehistoric troglodyte settlement with the cave dwellings till visible today among the rupestrian churches and cobbled streets.

These photos where shot earlier this year over 5 days travelling around the region.

View from the apartment through the old town

Evening mist over the cathedral

Crooked streets

View from the balcony

Church over the valley

Old and new

Church of Madonna De Idris

Ancient cave monastery

Cobbled streets

A glimmer of sun on the hand carved walls

Escher style street architecture

San Nicola De Greci fourteenth century paintings

The days before shelving

Sunset over the cathedral

Sunny valley and river

From the rock

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!