Tucked inside the arch of Italy’s boot, Matera could have easily disappeared into the annals of history — the community was inhabited some 10,000 years before falling into disrepair, and was completely deserted in the 1970s.

But, through the sheer force and determination of locals, plus several strategic investments, the long-standing town managed to not just survive, but thrive — in 2019, it was named a European Capital of Culture, and is considered one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy.