Matera, located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, serves as the provincial capital. It held this role from 1663 to 1806. Positioned within a canyon carved by the Gravina river, Matera is often called "la Città Sotterranea" or the Subterranean City. Known for its ancient roots, it ranks among the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world.

The historic areas, particularly the "Sassi" district and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. On October 17, 2014, Matera was selected as Italy's representative for the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Settlement in this region dates back to the Paleolithic era. It is believed that the Romans founded the city in the 3rd century BC, naming it Matheola after consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus. Matera changed hands in AD 664 when the Lombards incorporated it into the Duchy of Benevento. In the 7th and 8th centuries, Benedictine and Basilian monks inhabited nearby caves. The 9th and 10th centuries were marked by conflicts involving Byzantines and German emperors like Louis II, which caused significant damage to Matera. After the Normans settled in Apulia, William Iron-Arm governed Matera from 1043 onwards.

Following a brief period of self-governance and challenges with pestilence and earthquakes, Matera came under Aragonese control in the 15th century, granted as a fief to the Tramontano barons. In 1514, due to oppressive rule, Count Giovanni Carlo Tramontano was killed by an outraged populace. In the 17th century, control passed to the Orsini family, and Matera became part of Terre d'Otranto di Puglia before once again serving as the capital of Basilicata until Joseph Bonaparte moved it to Potenza in 1806.

In 1927, Matera was designated as the capital of its province. On September 21, 1943, the citizens of Matera were the first to revolt against German occupation during World War II.