Matera, a town evacuated in the 1950s and considered a "national disgrace," has become a luxury tourist destination.

Matera, a town in southern Italy, was evacuated in the 1950s, being considered a 'national disgrace' by the authorities due to the poor living conditions. The then Italian Prime Minister emphasized that the cave dwellings carved into the rock did not meet the minimum standards for decent living. Former residents recall the harsh conditions, with poor families living alongside domestic animals.

However, the town has undergone a spectacular transformation, becoming today a luxury tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Matera offers luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and stunning landscapes, thus becoming a symbol of regeneration and historical beauty. This metamorphosis has turned Matera into a major point of interest on Italy's tourist map.