 
The cave town of Matera (Basilicata), which formed the backdrop for Mel Gibson's film “The Passion of Christ”, has put in its bid to be appointed European Capital of Culture 2019. Matera entered the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites of Humanity in 1993 and boasts the unique setting of the “Sassi” (Rocks), former dwellings perched on the cliff-side and tunnelled out of the living rock, ancient frescoed rock-hewn churches and a 13th century romanesque duomo.
Matera, however, faces tough competition from other Italian cities � notably Urbino (Marche), the birthplace of Raphael, with one of the most splendid Ducal Palaces in Europe. Urbino is a UNESCO Heritage site since 1998. Other Italian cities putting in bids include: Siena, Venice, Lecce, L'Aquila, Ravenna and Bergamo. A tough choice, indeed for the jury, which should reach a final decision in 2015.
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Info: ec.europa.eu/culture
