As “The Chosen” moves toward its most climactic season, fans have noticed a striking new backdrop: the ancient city of Matera, Italy. Known for its cave dwellings and stone-carved streets, Matera brings a weight and realism that match the gravity of Season 6’s story arc, which is focused on Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.
The decision to film in Matera is not just aesthetic. It connects the series to a long history of biblical filmmaking, enhances the emotional tone of the Passion narrative, and underscores the show’s global reach.
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Matera’s Biblical Look and Cinematic Legacy
Matera, located in southern Italy’s Basilicata region, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its Sassi districts—dwellings carved directly into limestone hills—create a setting that looks untouched by time.
The city has long been a favorite for biblical epics. Pier Paolo Pasolini filmed “The Gospel According to St. Matthew” there in 1964, and Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” (2004) cemented Matera’s reputation as a stand-in for Jerusalem. Its narrow alleys, craggy terrain, and ancient stone courtyards allow filmmakers to portray the first century with minimal CGI or set construction.
For “The Chosen,” Matera’s natural authenticity offers a setting worthy of the Gospels’ final chapters.
Elevating Storytelling of ‘The Chosen’ Season 6
Season 6 of “The Chosen” will depict the most intense moments of Jesus’ earthly ministry—events that demand a setting of both beauty and gravity. Matera provides exactly that.
The city’s weathered stone walls serve as a silent witness to the weight of the Passion. Filming there visually distinguishes the end of Jesus’ journey from the earlier Galilee-centered seasons. It signals a shift not only in geography but also in tone, as the story moves toward confrontation, sacrifice, and resurrection hope.
Global Symbolism and Spiritual Resonance
The choice of Matera also reflects the global identity of “The Chosen.” The series has become an international phenomenon, and filming in Italy highlights that the story of Jesus is not bound to one nation or culture.
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