16 August 2016: A cinematographer's dream, Italy's Matera and its UNESCO-listed 'Sassi' cave-dwellings take centre stage this summer in Hollywood's latest historical epic, Ben Hur.

Matera is located in Southern Italy's Basilicata region, the instep of the Italian “boot” and was once one of Western Europe's most impoverished towns. It has recently enjoyed a renaissance; emerging from the shadows as one of Italy's most astonishing towns and is set to become European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Ben Hur is released on 18 August, and Prestige Holidays (01425 480400 www.prestigeholidays.co.uk) is offering seven-night stays in the 'Sassi' hotel Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, just an hour from Bari airport, from £1374 per person including: return flights with Easyjet from Gatwick, private transfers and BB accommodation, departing 1 September.

Comprising 18 caves or “Grotte”, each of the property's individually styled open-plan rooms, features simple décor, most with a roll-top bath and terrace with fabulous views wild Murgia national park. Adding to the quirky appeal, breakfast at the Sextantio is served in the hotel's 'church' and comprises a wide range of locally produced and homemade specialities from warm ricotta cheese to delicious cakes served warm from the oven.

Matera is no stranger to Hollywood, Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of Christ' was filmed there. Plus, a new film adaptation of superhero classic 'Wonder Woman' was shot in Matera earlier this year and is expected in cinemas May 2017.

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Liz Blakeborough                         
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