Matera: European Capital of Culture 2019

Matera – in the region of Basilicata – is world-renowned for the “Sassi di Matera”, homes that have been carved out of the rocks. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has just been designated as the European Capital of Culture 2019.
This selection rewards the city of Matera’s commitment in pursuit of this title. Matera convinced the Commission with a future-driven programme that at the same time focuses on the city’s history and its true identity. Some of the factors leading to the choice included: the proposal of how much Matera and its territory can communicate to other European cities; how the cultural realities of the Lucano area can hook up and work with Europe; how to develop creative projects that meet the challenges of Europe in the next 5 years. 
All of this in such a way as to encourage participation of citizens living in and around the city, as well as of its expatriates.
Matera 2019 also stands out for its sustainable aspects, because not only does it strive for a short-term effect of the actual manifestation, it also aims to become an opportunity that can help change or consolidate and develop the city’s cultural activities.
Matera, a site of rare beauty with a unique environment will become a showcase for Italy.

(Christiane Bürklein)

Matera 2019
http://www.matera-basilicata2019.it/
Photographs courtesy of Sextantio

---

GALLERY