A region in Italy which is still very raw and untouched is definitely the Basilicata region in the south of Italy. There is so much to explore here and a real rawness that is exceptionally beautiful. Within this historic region you will find a gem called Matera. A town laying in a small canyon, which over the years has been eroded. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and the heart of this city’s centre is known as the ‘Sassi’ (meaning stones) which is nothing short of incredible and is now a Unesco world heritage listed site.

The Sassi di Matera are houses that have been carved or engraved into the rock which make up the city. They are like caves which blend so perfectly into their environment – a reason no doubt why Mel Gibson chose the Sassi di Matera as the location where he…