I had previously visited Matera on a day trip during my road trip through Puglia but had only stayed a few hours. I’ve since come back to the Jerusalem of Italy and stayed a few nights more just because I loved it so much the first time. Matera is a one of a kind place in a country filled with one of a kind places. It’s unique to the point that other Italian cities and villages look almost routine.

Located in the province of Basilicata (bordering Puglia), this UNESCO World Heritage sight was also named The European city of Culture in 2019. I think Matera just might be Italy’s most beautiful and most fascinating city.