One of the oldest cities in the world is thriving

Admittedly, the way from Germany, Austria or Switzerland to the boot region in the very south of Italy is long, and simply too long for short trips. But if you want to visit the sunny Adriatic coast of Apulia, the Gargano or the Gulf of Taranto in the Ionian Sea, you should definitely plan a stopover in the ancient mountain town of Matera. It's worth it!

Matera had a miserable reputation over many decades, and in the 1950s it was even regarded as the "disgrace of Italy". This was due to the poor living conditions in the more than 3000 living caves. As a result, the residents had to leave the so-called Sassi and were instead resettled in rental blocks on the outskirts of the city. Matera fell into a sleeping beauty sleep and served at best as a biblical film set, for example for Mel Gibson's "The Passion of Christ".

Today everything is different. At some point, word got around that the city on the karstic rocky plateau, which has been inhabited for over 11,000 years, possesses a unique cultural treasure that must be preserved at all costs. The caves have been breathed new life into them, water and electricity have been laid, chic apartments, restaurants, even hotels and many studios have been built in the soft rock. In 2019 Matera was even awarded the title of "European Capital of Culture". And the cinema has also rediscovered Matera. In the 25th James Bond film, 007 is also supposed to hunt in the Sassi villains.

Those who travel to Matera by motorhome will find three specially designated parking spaces in front of the city, two of which offer a shuttle service. By the way, the cultural activities can be comfortably combined with a stay at the sea, as it is not far to the Gulf of Taranto where you can find excellent sandy beaches. And there are also several motorhome pitches there.

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