MATERA: Jesus Movie Stage

Nary a street or road, simply stone paths with treacherous

inclines. A real torture to walk through...

A city carved out of a solid stone mountain that is purported

to be the oldest inhabited city on the planet...

Surrounds challenge the most hardy to visit and explore.

Yet we dare by the thousands to come to the famous

land most likened to Jesus sufferance...

Tourists love and adore the dramatic architecture of the

site...

Breathtaking as it is picturesque...

There are many, many churches and religious shrines

cut from stone...

At the top of an ancient world and culture...

Afternoon sun gilts the hillsides in gold...

Perhaps the most exciting and adventurous city in Europe

Inside Montevergine Church

Beautifully elegant and ornate is the standard for the basilica of Montevergine. 

View of  apse 

View of second apse

These are but a couple of samples as there are many more within the

basilica.

The sanctuary is nestled atop the Partenio Mountains at 1300 meters on the eastern end of the

chain and about 35 miles east of Naples. It is best reached by driving to Avellino then following

the roadway up the mountainside town of Mercogliano.