Matera, one of the symbols of European prehistoric archaeology and an “excellent site” included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, is increasingly becoming an iconic city that extols a fabric of memories, stones and traditions with a subtle filigree. The aesthetic qualities of the iconic “Sassi” of Matera, a primitive architectural framework, are clearly visible. These arcane monuments, such as the “Talking Stones” that guard memories, evoke the archaic history of Lucanian identity.
Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, has witnessed the birth of a new entrepreneurial fabric that aims at preserving its historical atmospheres thanks to 27 companies with a flourishing cultural heritage.
They all have favoured the creation of works of architecture and design, such as the Appulo Lucane railway station designed by Stefano Boeri, and the large open-air theatre Cava del Sole, which combines modern and ancient art, as well as the historical buildings of the National Archaeological Museum “Domenico Ridola”, the Cathedral of Matera, the Tramontano Castle, and the MUSMA in Pomarici Palace (16th century), the only museum in the world based “in a cave” that exhibits 400 works including sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, engravings and art books dating from the late nineteenth century to the present day.
The contribution of the big screen has cast a light on Matera, acting as a flywheel for the transformation of historical places, elevating the charm of the beauty of the past to maximum power. The management of Matera Basilicata Foundation and Lucana Film Commission, monitored by Basilicata Region, are central. Together with the Municipality of Matera, they have implemented the logistics and the reception services for national and international film production staff. The cognitive and performative gesture of cinema, in transmedia convergence, generates processes of identification and continuous peregrinations.
“Fasten your seat belts, we are about to enter a turbulent zone”, this is the advice for those who set foot in this city, an “imaginary high-pressure zone”. The bold James Bond agent 007 (Daniel Craig) was catapulted there, flanked by Léa Seydoux in the adrenaline-fuelled trailer No Time to Die, 18-minute filming in the City of the Sassi. The beautiful location inspired also The Gospel according to St. Matthew by Pier Paolo Pasolini, The Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson, and the film in progress by Terrence Malick The Last Planet.
The 5-star Luxury Hospitality Resorts with Spa offer worldly élite accommodation, with a privileged sojourn at Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel, an aristocratic residence dating back to 1892 based in Piazza Duomo. The latter is equipped with 20 ultra-luxury rooms that, together with the terrace of the restaurant “Le Bubbole”, with a breath-taking view over the illuminated Sassi, give an intimate and romantic priceless atmosphere, also chosen by the director Cary Joji Fukunaga and the actors of the film No Time to Die.
It is a privilege to be seduced by these enchanted places full of art, and spend your nights in the other sustainable charming city hotel residences: Hotel Quarry Luxury Resort, which offers 13 suites and a terrace in a panoramic position over the city; Resort Sant’Angelo Luxury, which has 23 historical residences with a viewpoint over the typical alleys with a string of craft shops and courtyards hosting exhibitions and events.
Matera is a city full of art, history and events, in continuous evolution and ideal for those who are looking for culture and nightlife, and want to experience a fantastic full immersion in the labyrinth of the dizzying Sassi, discovering ancestral rites and the flavours of Basilicata gourmet cuisine.
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Article edit by Anna Lorito