Altamura and Matera are real towns in southern Italy, just as the Sassi really exist, and just as the Nazi crimes described here were really committed against the Italian people.
So, too, did the great treasure exist, and Matthias, and his memories – all now lost to the ages.
Perhaps it is buried somewhere in the southern regions of Italy, where so many of the people of the early Christian church ended up; perhaps it is hidden somewhere in a very private collection in Germany, hidden from public view to protect the stories that the Church wishes to be kept from view.
And, perhaps, it will one day be found.
