Jihoitalská Matera is a European Capital of Culture

Matera - The Southern Italian city of Matera officially became the European Capital of Culture for 2019 today. At the festive ceremony attended by leading Italian politicians, musical groups from the region and across Europe performed. This city can serve as an inspiration for the entire southern Italy. Just a few decades ago, it was inhabited by the poor and faced gradual decay; today, it enjoys UNESCO protection and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, reported the DPA agency.

The ceremony in the ancient city of Matera, located in the Basilicata region, was attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. The city, with approximately 60,000 inhabitants, was described by Italian Minister of Culture Alberto Bonisoli as a role model for all of southern Italy. "It is an example of the decisive role that culture plays," the minister stated.

The rock city with a thousand-year history, along with the adjacent caves that now act as a magnet for tourists, was still inhabited by the poor in the 1950s. The caves were dark and cold, and diseases spread easily.

As part of the rehabilitation efforts, around 17,000 inhabitants had to leave the historical urban districts. The most famous local cave, Sassi, which has been part of the UNESCO cultural heritage since 1993, was also saved. Matera now attracts more and more tourists each year. City officials expect up to 800,000 visitors this year, which is double the number in 2017.

The prestigious title of European City of Culture this year is held alongside Matera by the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv. Czech Republic has already had two representations among cultural metropolises: the last time was in 2015 when Plzeň held the title.