MATERA 🇮🇹Italy's Ancient Sassi James Bond City Walking Tour 4K Cave houses ➜Via Domenico Ridola

MATERA ITALY'S OLDEST SASSI CITY

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Behind the scenes

As usual, it was a blazing hot summer day in Matera, with the sun firing its relentless beams over the ancient city like it was auditioning for a role as a spotlight. While I was mentally prepared for the heat, there was one crucial detail I didn’t quite factor in: my choice of footwear. Let’s just say, sandals and slick stone pathways go together about as well as espresso and sleep.

The steep, polished cobblestones of Matera’s historic Sassi district felt more like a personal slip-and-slide than a charming walk. Mid-filming, I had one of those classic slow-motion moments—you know, where you realize you're about to face-plant, but there’s nothing you can do except surrender to gravity. Down I went, slipping and sliding like an amateur figure skater on holiday.

Luckily, the camera survived unscathed, and I came out mostly intact (a miracle by any measure). Lesson learned: sturdy shoes are essential when navigating Italy’s ancient cities—or really, anything older than your last passport stamp.

Now, let’s talk about Matera’s iconic Sassi houses, which are straight out of a fairytale. Carved directly into the limestone cliffs, the word “Sassi” literally means “stones,” and these ancient cave dwellings are thought to be some of the oldest continuously inhabited homes on earth, dating back over 9,000 years. That’s right—these places have been lived in longer than most countries have existed.

Originally used as shelters by the region’s early inhabitants, the Sassi evolved into a remarkable system of cave homes, churches, and even shops. Despite their humble stone exteriors, many of these Sassi houses are surprisingly spacious inside, with high ceilings and a labyrinth of interconnected rooms—talk about a hidden gem! 

Walking through the Sassi district is like stepping back in time, with narrow, winding streets and uneven stone paths snaking between the houses, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. Though once considered poor man’s housing, the Sassi have been revitalized, now housing boutique hotels, restaurants, and modern homes—blending ancient history with stylish charm.

These cave dwellings are what give Matera its distinctive character, and being surrounded by them feels like living in history. No wonder they’ve been used as backdrops in films—they’re practically ready-made for the big screen, with their otherworldly, timeless vibe. Whether it’s bathed in daylight or twinkling with evening lights, the Sassi glow with a mystical energy that makes them one of Matera’s most captivating features.

But let’s not forget the highlight of the day—after all the filming (and, of course, my brief stint as a clumsy stunt double)—a late lunch at a cliffside restaurant. Sure, it was a little on the pricey side, but with a view like that, it was worth every single euro. We found ourselves perched on the cliff’s edge, overlooking the ancient stone dwellings, soaking in the scenery as if time itself had paused.

As we tucked into our meal, time seemed to melt away. We ended up lingering until sunset, watching as the golden light faded and Matera transformed into a dreamy, glowing city. Little by little, the stone houses dimmed, replaced by a twinkle of tiny glowing lights. It was pure magic—one of those perfect moments where everything aligns: just us, the view, and the quiet beauty of Matera glowing under the evening sky.

Join us as we explore the stunning ancient city of Matera, Italy, famous for its historic Sassi houses and beautiful limestone architecture. Walk with us along Via Bruno Buozzi and Via Domenico Ridola, through the heart of the city’s cave dwellings. Fun fact: Matera was even a filming location for James Bond’s "No Time to Die!" Discover the magic of one of the world’s oldest cities, where history, culture, and cinematic charm come together.