Bordering on the regions of Apulia and Basilicata, in the Southern Italy, the city of Matera - still unknown to most tourists - is inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list for its incomparable urban structure and its rock-hewn churches (more than one hundred). There are very few cars in the ancient part of the town and this is a real bonus for any runner and any walker. My favourite course starts from piazza Pascoli, and it is very safe also during the night. Go downhill towards via Casalnuovo and immediately turn left on via Bruno Buozzi. Follow via Bruno Buozzi to piazza San Pietro Caveoso and then take the panoramic via Madonna delle Virtù all the way around the Rione Sassi. The Rione Sassi is one of the most panoramic and charming areas of the ancient part of Matera, excavated in the tufa stone, testifying a millenary civilization dating back to the Paleolithic age. Via Madonna delle Virtù becomes then via Sant'Antonio Abate. Keep running and you will find yourself in via Fiorentini. From here a good workout is to run any of the stairs up the Sasso Barisano quarter, all the way up to the cathedral, dating back to 1270. Explore any of the narrow streets: you can't really get lost although some of the streets could be dead-end ones. An unforgettable city, an unforgettable run!

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