Matera, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 59,685, Matera is hardly the thriving metropolis that some may imagine. The city's historic "Sassi" district, a maze of cave dwellings carved into the cliffs, was once deemed unfit for modern living and forcibly evacuated in the 1950s. While the government has since invested in restoring these ancient quarters, the persistent bureaucracy remains a headache for residents and businesses. Yet Matera's unique charms have not gone unnoticed - the city was named a European Capital of Culture in 2019, drawing a steady influx of tourists eager to experience its ancient, otherworldly atmosphere. For the adventurous urbanite seeking an immersive taste of Italy's past, Matera may be worth the trade-offs.