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The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

This is the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem. The first inhabited zone dates from the Palaeolithic, while later settlements illustrate a number of significant stages in human history. Matera is in the southern region of Basilicata.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/670

The Sassi and the park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera are the best surviving and most complete examples of rock-cut settlement in the Mediterranean region. They have been developed in close harmony with the natural environments. 

Nature has provided this location with a belt of soft tufa, with two natural depressions. The caves here have been used since prehistoric times. Population pressure drove people out of the city of Matera, into these Sassi. From the 17th century on, this area was left to the poor. At first they lived in the bare caves, later these developed into house-like structures. 

The Sassi were evacuated by law in 1952. 15.000 people, living in extremely poor hygienic circumstances, had to be resettled to new quarters. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/isassidimatera.html