Matera, la città che ispirò Mel Gibson per La passione di Cristo, diventa capitale della cultura europea 2019: I sassi conquistano il New York Times!
È indubbiamente una delle città più suggestive d'Italia, citata già da Carlo Levi nel famoso romanzo "Cristo si è fermato ad Eboli" (1945) e diventata centro di polemiche politiche quando i cittadini, spinti dalla povertà, si videro costretti a vivere dentro spazi scavati nelle rocce.
Risolto il problema sociale, i "Sassi" rimasti vuoti dei loro abitanti divennero un grande reclamo turistico, tanto da diventare nel 1993 Patrimonio Mondiale dell'Umanità dall'Unesco e diventare appunto Capitale Europea della Cultura 2019 con un lungo programma ricco di eventi.
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Matera is a city in the Basilicata region of Italy, known for its ancient cave dwellings, or "sassi," which have been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years. These unique rock-cut dwellings, carved into the hillsides, have made Matera a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the most famous examples of these sassi is the Caveoso, a complex of ancient dwellings that was once home to a large community of cave-dwellers. The Caveoso is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, lined with small houses and churches carved into the rock. It is a truly unique and breathtaking sight, and it is easy to see why it has inspired so many artists and filmmakers over the years.
One of the most notable examples of this is Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ," which was filmed in Matera and used the city's sassi as a backdrop. The movie, which tells the story of Jesus' final days, was filmed in the Caveoso, and the ancient dwellings and rocky landscape provided the perfect setting for the film's Biblical setting.
In addition to its film industry fame, Matera is also a cultural and artistic hub, with a vibrant arts scene and numerous festivals and events throughout the year. It is a city with a rich history and a unique character, and it is well worth a visit for anyone interested in art, history, or simply experiencing something truly unique and special.