Italian grottstaden new capital of culture

"”Italian grottstaden” new cultural capital"

"So late as in the 1960s, the town was known as ”Italy's shame” – but now the ancient ”grottstaden” the eyes of the world. "

"Little of Matera in Italy's rocky foot is the European capital of culture 2019. "

"Marching band, dance, and theater'sa on Saturday, January 19 when the city of Matera will be inaugurated as the European capital of culture. "

"the City is betting on an exploding opening ceremony in which the southern Italian heritage will be celebrated. But it will also be invited to creative experiences like dance performances inspired by quantum physics and exhibitions with the theme ”ancient future”. "

"The small mountain town is situated on the edge of a deep ravine and several of the buildings are carved out of the volcanic tufa stone, which gives the city an impression of being completely carved out of stone. "

"Matera is located in the middle of Italy's foot and had long time a bad reputation as an undeveloped and poor village. "

"Since 1993, the city is ranked as one of the Unesco world heritage site and has been used as a location in several movies."

"2004 was the scenes depicting Jerusalem in Mel Gibson's ”Passion of the Christ” in the city because of its well-preserved ancient buildings. Pier Paolo Pasolinis classic ”The Gospel according to St. Matthew,” from 1964 was also recorded here. "

"Matera attracts visitors thanks to its history. Many are fascinated by stenbyggnaderna, located in the Sassi (which means ”stone” in Italian), which have become hotels, shops, museum and restaurants. "

"Among the city's most visited sights include the church of Santa Maria di Idris, which is carved directly from the rock, and the Ipogeo Materasum, historical underground passages. "

"Each year, designated two cities as capitals of culture in Europe. Bulgarian Plovdiv is the capital of culture in 2019, together with the Matera. "