Honeymoon 2019: In Italy the best city of culture

Have you already planned your honeymoon this year? We have a winner in Italy, it has been awarded European Capital of Culture for 2019. It is Matera, the ancient capital of Basilicata, a tiny corner in Southern Italy. Mel Gibson chose to film here his The Passion of the Christ and also the most recent Wonder Woman, starring Gal Gadot and Robin Wright, was shot here.

If you are into Dan Brown’s books, you could easily imagine his next thriller being set in Matera. Ancient cave dwellings, so tightly knit that sometimes one sits on top of the other, the Sassi di Matera (the stones of Matera) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A mix of cave churches carved into the mountain and ornate grand churches in the old town complete this sort of mysterious grandeur.

The city is divided into che civita – the town centre – and surrounding sassi cliffs. Walking on its sometime steep ups and downs, don’t miss the sensational views from Parco della Murgia Materana, the national park. It’s also worth checking out the Appian Way to Cripta del Peccato Originale to see the medieval cave paintings.

You could add a visit to Puglia, just over an hour drive from Matera. As for accommodations, live the magic experience of the luxurious cave-cum-bedrooms, rustic and perfect for romance. If in search of wellness, plenty of spas come with a view and a sparkle of spirituality.

Source: The Travel Magazine