Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but one “timeless” city is being celebrated as the ultimate alternative for travellers looking to escape the swarms of tourists in Rome and Pisa. While millions of holidaymakers battle through the crushing crowds at the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this ancient city remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

Located in the rugged Basilicata region, the ancient city of Matera is a stone-carved marvel with UNESCO status, its authenticity still intact, and, most importantly, a fraction of the foot traffic. While Rome draws approximately 22.2 million a year, and Pisa three million, Matera, by comparison, welcomes under one million, over 20 times fewer than Rome. Historians believe Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with evidence of human life dating back to 10,000 BC.

Known as the “Second Bethlehem,” this breathtaking city resembles a film set frozen in time, frequently standing in for ancient Jerusalem in Hollywood blockbusters like The Passion of the Christ and James Bond’s No Time to Die.

The jewel in Matera’s crown is the Sassi di Matera, a complex of ancient cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches and winding stairways carved directly into the limestone cliffs. Unlike the grand marble monuments of Rome, Matera is an incredible example of “negative architecture,” where homes were created by removing rock rather than building on top of it.

At a height of over 1,246 feet, the 12 levels are connected by a network of paths, stairways and courtyards. 

These cave dwellings remained occupied until the 20th century, when they were declared unfit for modern habitation and the government relocated the residents to new housing between 1952 and the 1970s. To truly experience what it was like to live in these spaces, visit the Casalnuovo House Cave.

While visitors to Pisa spend hours queueing for a 15-minute slot at the Leaning Tower, Matera can be explored slowly and peacefully. A must-see is the Crypt of the Original Sin, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of rock churches,” a cave adorned with incredible 1,000-year-old biblical frescoes.

Meanwhile, just across the ravine sits the 27-square-mile Murgia Materana Park, boasting dramatic hiking trails and the best panoramic views of the city skyline. If you’re lucky, here you might catch a glimpse of porcupines, wild boar, wild cats, lanner falcons, Egyptian vultures and the Lesser Kestrel, the park’s symbol.

Matera is also a perfect destination for any food lovers. It offers a culinary tradition born from “cucina povera”, or peasant cooking. Be sure to try the famous Pane di Matera – a conical sourdough bread – or Cialledda, a traditional salad made with soaked bread, tomatoes and garlic.

The most convenient route is to fly into Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI). Direct flights from the UK take approximately three hours, departing from airports like Stansted (with Ryanair), Gatwick (easyJet or BA) or Manchester (Ryanair). Once you land in Bari, you have three main options to reach the city, including: the Pugliairbus (shuttle), which runs several times a day and costs around £4-9, or the scenic Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) train through the Apulian countryside, costing about £5.30.