The video posted by the choreographer Luca Tommassini in which young people are seen doing parkour among the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO heritage site, aroused great indignation
@lucatommassinidreamer/Instagram
Matera, with its iconic Sassi, is one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the world. Located in Basilicata, it boasts a history dating back approximately 9,000 years. The Sassi, ancient districts dug into the limestone rock, represent an extraordinary example of human settlement which has spanned the millenniakeeping its charm and uniqueness intact.
The city offers a unique spectacle of houses, churches and caves that tell the story of a thousand-year-old civilization. In 1993, UNESCO recognized the Sassi and the Park of the Rock Churches of Matera as World Heritage, underlining the historical and cultural importance of this place. This recognition has helped reawaken global interest in Matera, leading to a greater influx of tourists and scholars.
In 2019, Matera obtained further recognition, being designated European Capital of Culture. This title highlighted the cultural vitality of the city, promoting a series of events, exhibitions and initiatives that celebrated the richness of Matera’s heritage. During that year, Matera became a symbol of cultural rebirth, demonstrating how a place with such ancient roots can be both modern and innovative.
“Matera should not be used as a parkour park”
Unfortunately, however, there is also the negative side of the popularity of this place. Recently, in fact, Matera was at the center of a controversy when a group of parkour practitioners he was seen performing among the Sassi.
This sparked outrage from Luca Tommassini, famous choreographer and artistic director, who expressed his outrage on social media. “But how dare youdo you know where you are and what you are touching?” wrote Tommassini, criticizing the lack of respect towards a site of such historical value, and publishing the video of the boys jumping between the Sassi. He then continued:
Matera Not it should be used as a parkour park, that stone could be there before the discovery of America or even before. This city is a UNESCO heritage site for a reason. You should enjoy our discipline as much as possible, but you should also be careful where you step, not only for safety but also for respect for the culture that belongs to all of us.
With his words, Tommassini underlined the urgency of protecting and preserving this heritage, recalling that the Sassi of Matera are not just an architectural wonder, but a symbol of our history and for this reason they must be protected from the action of certain wicked individuals who should practice their sport in other places. Only in this way will future generations be able to continue to enjoy the beauty and richness of this unique place in the world.
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