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Once branded a source of “national shame”, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture, the city of Matera boasts a past with as many twists and turns as the honeycomb of cave dwellings that make up its ancient town, the Sassi.  Situated on the border between Puglia and Basilicata, a lesser-known region in Italy’s deep south, M...

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Puglia has everything. Amazing food, stunning olive fields, inspiring cities, and one of our favorite things: a dreamy coast. I’ve spent long summers exploring Puglia’s quaint towns and villages, sleeping in its traditional masserie, and working with local artisans to design quality linens and woven bags to bring the slow lifestyle into your home a...

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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...

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Which are the best things to do in Matera? At first glance, the Lucanian capital seems like something straight out of a dream, a timid vision in a fairy-tale world. Yet beyond the splendor of the glimpse and the wonder of its surroundings, Matera offers an incredible wealth of things to do that will allow you to delve into its culture and everyday...

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The Translation Journey of Murder in Matera. March 15th, 5:30pm-6:45pm EST. Virtual Event; Registration Required. Members: $10. Nonmembers: $15. Trip To Puglia Participants: Complimentary.  Register Here! Join us for a virtual event and discover how the NOIAW network helped one Italian-American journalist turn her nonfiction account of a true life...

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Residents of southern Italy’s picturesque and ancient “city of stone” have been gripped by another rocky phenomenon after a meteorite crash-landed on the balcony of a home in Matera’s suburbs. The space object, which had been travelling at about 200mph, was spotted in the skies above the Puglia and Basilicata regions on 14 February, becoming known...

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Rome is the first destination that comes to mind when we think of Italy because it is one of the most famous cities in the world, along with Paris and London. Hidden gems are the lesser-known routes in Italy, including the secret small towns, beautiful villages, and islands that are yet to be discovered by tourists that explore the country every ye...

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Italy is a country known for its history, arts and incredibly beautiful landscapes. For most people this country has been associated with the most famous tourist cities, Florence, Rome and Milan. But Italy has many hidden treasures. For example, did you know about Matera and its ancient stone city where people live in 9000 year old houses? The sout...

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Ancient habitations dug into the tuff rock of a chalky plateau open up around a hollow, the Gravina di Matera, traversed by a torrent that flows in this spectacular and unique city in the Region of Basilicata. Roofs by turns become the foundations for new habitations on the levels overhead. A dense lattice of narrow streets and alleyways fill up wi...

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The historical city of Matera should feature prominently on your southern Italy travel itinerary. With caves transformed into chic accommodations, fun restaurants and bars built into rocky outcrops, and a history like no other, there are numerous reasons to visit Matera. Nick and I recently spent 5 days exploring the narrow alleyways, dining on the...

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