By Rahima Miah

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With autumn setting in, cooler weather and shorter days often prompt many in the UK to look abroad for a dose of sunshine. Popular European escapes from Spain and France to Greece and Italy attract travellers keen to enjoy warmer temperatures without a long flight . Italy is often associated with iconic cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan, or coastal favourites like the Amalfi Coast. However, tucked away in the south lies Matera, a lesser-known treasure that deserves just as much attention. This ancient city, nestled in the southern region of Basilicata, is renowned for its extensive cave dwelling district, the Sassi, which has been inhabited for at least 9,000 years. Matera boasts a rich history and its Mediterranean climate is a draw for visitors, particularly those from the UK . October is an especially ideal time to visit this Italian city as the average high temperature is 23C, with peaks of up to 27C possible, and tourists can explore the site without the summer crowds. Kathy, a travel content creator from New York, shared a video on TikTok offering viewers a sneak peek at Matera, fondly known as the ‘City of Stone.’ The brief footage shows the cave dwellings and a pathway beside the stunning stone structures perched on a clifftop. The TikTok caption states: “Matera, a truly magical historical city like no other city. The oldest city in Italy and possibly all of Europe. It’s 9,000 years old! “I highly recommend staying at least one night to fully experience the magic. Sunset is stunning, dinner in the cave-like restaurants is memorable, and sunrise is even better.” The travel fan called Matera “truly breathtaking” and “easily one of my favourite places to visit while traveling through Puglia.” Hundreds of families lived in cramped conditions within the cave houses of the Sassi until the 1950s. The impoverished and malaria-ridden surroundings became a source of national shame, prompting officials to order the relocation of cave residents to modern accommodation on the plateau overhead. By the 1980s, Matera’s abandoned caves were no longer viewed as embarrassing, but rather as fascinating historical remnants. The city received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993, recognised for being “the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem”, as reported by Italy Heaven . Matera has been the backdrop for the 25th James Bond film No Time to Die and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of Christ. The Sassi is the main tourist attraction in this southern Italian city, but there’s also Casa Noha, a museum offering an immersive experience of Matera’s history, the 13th century Matera Cathedral with panoramic views of the city, Murgia Materana Park for hiking fans, and numerous cave hotels that showcase Matera’s unique architecture. UK tourists can reach Matera by flying into Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla, the nearest airport, and then taking a bus or private transfer for the remaining one-hour journey. Matera is also easily accessible from various Italian cities, with Bari being the main gateway. Kathy’s TikTok video has received more than 50 comments, with other users sharing their positive experiences of Matera. One said: “One of the most beautiful places I have visited, truly amazing.” Another added: “Currently in Matera now, one of my favourite places we [have] visited. A third exclaimed: “Dreamy!”