Carved out of rocky mountain slopes in the Basilicata of southern Italy, the ancient town of Matera is a tightly knit cluster of layered stone dwellings twined together by a labyrinth of steep winding staircases and flat dual-purpose rooftops that act as the streets of the level above. The houses, known as the Sassi di Matera, invoke images from the nativity, an impression well-utilised by famous filmed director Mel Gibson as a substitute for Bethlehem in the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it boasts a wealth of historic landmarks, such as the Civita district, a natural fortress home to a Romanesque Cathedral, which houses many works of art, including a 13th-century statue called Madonna della Bruna. The Park of the Rupestrian Churches spans over 8 000 hectares and counts over 150 churches, including the impressive Santa Maria de Idris.