Written in Stone by Elia Locardi

Written in Stone by Elia Locardi

Years ago, while researching the region of Basilicata in Southern Italy, I remember finding a quote by Carlo Levi claiming that, “Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be awe-struck, so expressive and touching is its sorrowful beauty.” And finally having the opportunity to visit Matera last year, that quote has proven itself to be absolutely true. The history of these stones is extraordinary as the area that is now Matera has been settled since the Paleolithic, and these dwellings are also thought to be among the first ever human settlements in Italy. Even today, we can still visit parts of the historic city are more than two thousand years old. Standing there, you cannot help but feel the immense sense of time and the magnitude of historical significance this city contains.

Elia Locardi: Photos