The ancient town of Matera with its cave dwellings carved into a mountainside turned out to be the surprise of our trip. Craggily rewarding and rich in history, it was used as a film set for Ben-Hur and The Passion of Jesus Christ.
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Update 10/11/2017
New York Times Travel: Matera - Where To Stay, What To Eat
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Update 11/22/2017
Anthony Bourdain Field Notes: Southern Italy (w/Matera)