There's a small postmodern group who call themselves the Basilischi. My Mom's side is from Matera, and I've been all over that region. I honestly think the area is almost TOO poor to be exploited for financial gain. It's absolutely prehistoric in some sections. Just to give you an example, when Mel Gibson filmed "The Passion of the Christ," he chose Matera for the crucifixion scene because it's one of the most unchanged areas of the world these past 2000 years.