Known throughout the world for its historical quarters Sassi, where the cave houses are located included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- an ancient city, a settlement on this site existed in the Neolithic era, and even then the relationship with the rocks was very close.
The core of the city originated on the opposite slopes of a river valley called the Gravina di Matera cleft.
During Magna Graecia it was a Greek city, the center of which was Civita. Today the Cathedral, built in the 13th century, stands here.
In the Roman era, the city was fortified with a wall, and numerous grottoes and rocky massifs began to be used to build village dwellings, and thus the birth of Sassi neighborhoods. Over time, the neighborhoods grew, the labyrinth of limestone grotto houses grew larger, and the neighborhoods began to be called Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, Civita remained between them.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
The word "sasso" means "rock".
The construction of houses in caves was determined by climatic conditions and the need for protection, as well as in order to better use the natural and geographical capabilities of the place.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
In the 8th century to the ground Matera Many Byzantine monks moved in and built churches in the grottoes, similar to those that can be found in Cappadocia (Turkey) or Syria.
Local residents who were in difficult financial situations built their homes in Sassy using natural grottoes. The streets of the cave city were narrow with many steps and ladders.
In 1623 Matera became the capital of Basilicata and remained there until 1806, then Napoleon Bonaparte moved the capital to Potenza. This was the best period for Matera.
Local residents experienced great difficulties with water. Therefore, they spent their energy not on building houses, but on digging channels and trenches in the limestone to collect water and a system of various cisterns. Water was used not only on the farm, but also for rural work. The village of trenches, as they called it Materu.
A channel for collecting water into a cistern located in one of the houses. Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Thanks to this ancient practice, residents Matera They turned their city into a green place, with hanging gardens, vegetable gardens and trees.
After the Second World War it was published Carlo Levi's book "Christ Stopped at Eboli", in which Levi wrote about the unbearable living conditions in Sassi di Matera.
He was exiled to the south of Italy for his anti-fascist statements, arriving in Materu, he was horrified by what he saw. In the 1930s half the population lived in caves; due to the heat, many houses were open, dogs, sheep, goats and pigs lay on the floor. “Most families had only one cave, and everyone slept in it together - men, women, children and animals.”
Carlo Levi saw Materu at a time when the population had grown to its maximum size. There was not enough space and more floors were built over the caves. Hanging gardens and vegetable gardens were no longer planted, and huge families lived in unsanitary conditions, without sewerage, and without observing basic hygiene standards.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Then arose "Matera's problem", which grew to the size of a “shame on the nation.” And in 1952 they decided to move residents to new quarters, freeing up the cave houses. At that time, about 15 thousand people lived in Sassi. Many of them did not want to leave their homes and returned back, then the authorities walled up the entrances to the caves with cement.
In 1993 Sassi di Matera(Sasso Caveoso, Sasso Barisano and Civita) were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
After Sassi di Matera became uninhabited, they became the scenery for many films. Pier Paolo Pasolini filmed “The Gospel According to Matthew” here in 1964, and Mel Gibson “The Passion of the Christ” in 2004.
Sassi di Matera were built in different centuries and by different civilizations. There are prehistoric traces preserved here, churches covered with frescoes from the 7th century. and rocky buildings of the 9th-11th centuries. and later.
IN Sasso Caveoso grotto houses have been preserved, some of which can be visited.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
For example, historic house on vico solitario, which reproduces the situation of the times when it was inhabited.
In the middle of the room there is a high bed on which the whole family slept. Under the bed there is a pot, a trough and other utensils that were taken out during the day. There is also a stall for animals and a dining table. The kitchenette was in a separate small room, another room was used as a utility room, a “pipe hole” was used to collect snow, which melted and provided precious water.
Light came into the house from a small window upstairs. The temperature in the houses was almost constant 15 degrees, the tuff in which the houses were built worked as climate control.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Church of San Pietro Caveoso, built in 1218 on a small square, is one of the most characteristic and vibrant places in Matera. In the 17th century The church has undergone many changes and acquired a baroque appearance. Artistic paintings and frescoes are stored inside.
Church of San Pietro Caveoso. Matera.
Cathedral towers over Sassy. It was erected in the 13th century. in the Civita quarter, which bisects the two Sasso. It has been closed for many years for restoration, and once belonged to a Benedictine monastery. The cathedral is distinguished by a beautiful, sharp rose-shaped window and a 52-meter bell tower. The cathedral houses the famous Byzantine fresco Madonna della Bruna.
IN Matera more than 130 churches and chapels. In the cave churches, stalactites and stalagmites serve as columns; the uneven walls retain traces of Byzantine frescoes.
Today the cave city is a popular tourist destination. There are no street names or house numbers, and long alleys may end in dead ends. The entrances to many caves are walled up or blocked, but you can find passages and get inside.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
Some caves house hotels and restaurants. Lunch or dinner overlooking the world's most famous slum can be an unforgettable experience.
Matera. Basilicata. Italy.
When traveling by car from the Adriatic coast, take the Bologna - Taranto motorway until you reach the Bari North exit. Continue along the SS 99 in the direction of Altamura - Matera.
From the Tyrrhenian coast there is a convenient route along the Salerno - Reggio - Calabria highway, exiting the highway to Sicinano degli Alburni. Next you need to take the SS 407 towards the city of Potenza, and then to Metaponto until the signs for Matera.
Search for flights to Bari (closest airport to Matera)
Popular hotels in Matera
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Entertainment and attractions of Matera
Sassi di Matera
Sassi di Matera is the historical district of the city of Matera. It is considered one of the first settlements in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It grew on one of the slopes of the La Gravina gorge, formed by a river, of which now only a small stream remains. Elegant dwellings carved into the tufa limestone alternate with underground caves and labyrinths to create one stunning landscape.
In 1950, the Italian government moved the majority of the population of Sassi di Matera to the "new" Matera. But to this day the rock city is inhabited. Now Sassi is perhaps the only place in the world where people live in the houses of their ancestors, who inhabited the area about 9 thousand years ago.
The Sassi region is divided into two parts: the first to appear was Sassi Caveoso and the later Sassi Barisano. In Sassi you can see countless churches, each with its own distinctive features: from the grandeur of the Church of San Pietro Barisano, which often hosts jazz concerts, to the rich iconography of Santa Lucia alle Malve. Convicinio di Sant'Antonio is a complex of cave churches, entered through an elegant portal where four churches, each in its own style, open onto a courtyard.
The Monterrone rock outcrop is clearly visible from many points. Inside the rock are the churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni, connected by a passage and forming a single complex.
The Church of Santa Maria de Armeniz is easily accessible from the historical part of Matera. The façade of the church is lined with stone masonry and decorated with pointed arches. These days, the church hosts art exhibitions.
The Church of Santa Barbara, with its stunning frescoes and iconostasis, is a true gem of Sassi cave art.
It is definitely worth visiting the cave complex of the churches of Madonna delle Virtu and San Nicola dei Graci. Every summer, the complex becomes the site for an international sculpture exhibition organized by the La Scaletta association.
The entrance ticket to 5 cave churches is 6 EUR, to three churches - 5 EUR, to one church - 2.50 EUR. Visits to the churches of Santa Maria de Armeniz and Santa Barbara are only possible upon prior request. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.
National Museum of Domenico Ridola
You can learn about the history of the city by visiting the Domenico Ridola National Museum, founded in 1911. Domenico Ridola was a doctor and senator who loved antiquity. By the end of the 19th century, he carried out a series of excavations, during which he discovered settlements from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. Based on his research, he collected a collection of archaeological artifacts, which has since been replenished and updated by museum staff. The museum is open to visitors daily, from 14:00 to 20:00; The entrance ticket costs 2.50 EUR.
Lanfranchi Palace
The Lanfranchi Palace houses the collection of the Basilicata Museum of Modern Art, as well as an impressive collection of works by Carlo Levi and numerous paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries by artists of the Neapolitan school. The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00, December 24 and 31 - until 13:00; entrance ticket cost is 3 EUR.
The Italian city of Matera is the oldest settlement in the southern part of the country. It is located in the Basilicata region. Matera is considered the best-preserved example of an ancient cave settlement. From the point of view of the degree of value for world culture and science, this city can be given a well-deserved first place among similar settlements in the entire Mediterranean. A special feature of the city of Matera is that the first local settlements date back to the Paleolithic period.
In 1993, the Italian city of Matera was included in the UNESCO list.
On a tour of the ancient city, you can see fantastic cave houses, carved right into the rock and called “sassi” (“stones”) in Italian. According to scientists, the age of the most ancient Sassi is about seven thousand years.
There are also “younger” buildings here, the time of construction of which is eloquently evidenced by churches built presumably in the 6th century. The ceilings and walls of some churches in this so-called “cave” city of Matera are decorated with frescoes from the 11th and 12th centuries, which have been perfectly preserved to this day.
The caves, carved out of soft limestone and home to ancient settlements, are now widely known among modern people. And this was greatly facilitated by the turbulent cinematic history of this region of Italy. The city of Matera, with its colorful atmosphere and unique architecture, can be seen in a huge number of Hollywood films.
The Holy Christian Land, medieval Spain, and pre-war Sicily were filmed here. And everywhere the streets of Matera served as a natural and incredibly believable backdrop for the unfolding action. The most famous paintings, the success of which was ensured, among other things, thanks to such decorations, are “The Gospel of Matthew”, “King David”, “The Passion of the Christ” and others.
After the release of the above-mentioned films, Matera, completely unexpectedly for everyone, acquired a new role for itself: this city became very popular among tourists. In terms of visitor numbers, it rivals Italian cities such as Parma, Lucca, Bari and Verona.
Tourists are attracted here, first of all, by the unique beauty and unusualness of the landscape. Similar structures can only be seen in Crimea (Ukraine), Cappadocia (Turkey), as well as in some regions of China, Georgia and India. However, in no other place will tourists have the opportunity to see caves in which such wonderful frescoes are perfectly preserved as in the cave city of Matera.
In addition, the southern Italian city of Matera has many other attractions, photographs of which are a must-have for every tourist visiting the province of Basilicata in their collection. By the way, the best photos of Italy can be seen on the travel website tourister.ru. The most varied and interesting photographs of Italy are presented there, after admiring which you will be overcome with a great desire to visit this magnificent country.
Other attractions of Matera include the Cathedral Square, the Ridol Museum, the excellent Cathedral and several others. Having visited Italy on an excursion to Matera, a tourist should also not miss the opportunity to visit local restaurants and taste amazing local cuisine. In the summer, you can visit the annual St. Mary's Festival, which includes traditional fun fairs, various shows, concert programs and an incredible final fireworks display.
Book a hotel in Matera
To explore the sights of Matera, in particular the cave city of Matera, you will need to stay somewhere. Below are Matera hotels especially for you, divided into three categories: popular hotels, luxury hotels and cheap hotels. Here you can book a room at the Matera hotel in advance according to your wishes and financial capabilities. For your convenience, here is information about the location of the hotels relative to the city center, as well as the number of stars.
Simply select the hotel you like by clicking on the “View Hotel” button. Next you will find yourself on a page where you can book a hotel. There you can also find more detailed information about it, reviews, ratings, photographs, location on the map, features and, of course, prices.
If you want to look at other hotels, you can simply select the city of Matera from above, and you will see a list of all Matera hotels available for booking.
In the southern part of Italy, in a province called Basilicata, there is a small beautiful and ancient city that few people know about. Matera has existed in the canyon of the Gravina River since prehistoric times (from Neolithic times). Due to the unique historical part of the city called "Sassi", Matera is also sometimes called the "Underground City".
It has been proven that people lived here as early as 9,000 years ago, but the official history of the city begins with the Romans, namely in the third century BC. The original name of the Roman village was Mateola. Historians believe that the name was probably given in honor of the Roman consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus.
In 664 AD, after the Lombards conquered the province of Matera, the city had many owners.
In the 9th and 10th centuries, Matera was constantly fought over by the Byzantine and German emperors, until William the Iron Hand began to rule it. At the beginning of the 17th century, the city's importance grew so much that it became the capital of the entire Basilicata region. Matera held this “position” until 1806, when the capital was moved to Potenza.
Matera also played an important role during World War II, when it became the first Italian city to actively fight against the Wehrmacht.
Probably the most interesting part of the city is its historical center - the old part of the city, which is called "Sassi di Matera".
Sassi (meaning "stones") still has prehistoric houses built by cavemen (troglodytes) who inhabited the region thousands of years ago. The village of Sassi is very similar to the dwellings in the village of Mellieha in northern Malta.
Since archaeological evidence shows that the first settlements of primitive people existed here as early as 7000 BC, the "Sassi di Matera" is considered one of the first settlements in modern Italy.
These Sassi dwellings were painstakingly carved out of the limestone rocks. There were so many underground houses in some parts of this area that the streets were literally built on the “roofs” of the houses.
Due to a number of changes in government policy and due to a malaria epidemic threatening it in the 1950s, the Italian government decided to move the residents of Sassi to a newly built part of the city.
However, many people refused to move, so today Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast that they still live in the houses of their ancestors, in which they lived 9,000 years ago.
The Gravina River divides the city, built on rocks above ancient cave dwellings, into two parts. This feature led to the fact that water was very difficult to access for its inhabitants. This is why people started making huge tanks (known as "cisterns").
One of the largest water reservoirs is located under Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The height of its walls is as much as 15 meters and there are even boat tours inside it. As the population in Matera began to increase, many of the old "cisterns" were eventually converted into residential buildings.
Church of San Francesco d'Assisi.
Cave houses are not the only attraction in Matera. You can also find some very beautiful churches in this city. For example, the central cathedral of Matera, which is called Santa Maria Della Bruna, was built in 1389 and topped with a 52-meter bell tower.
The historic center of Matera still retains its original charm. Because of this, many directors choose this city as an ideal location for filming ancient Jerusalem.
Many films based on biblical subjects were filmed here, such as “The Gospel of Matthew” directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini (1964), or “The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson (2004). Today, Matera is a thriving town with many businesses, taverns and hotels, and its beauty literally captivates thousands of visitors every year.
It is also located in Italy. She is truly impressive!
Among the many unique places in Italy, the ancient town of Matera, located in the south of the country, has an exceptional aura. The Basilica region, in which the city is located, occupies part of the Murgia plateau, famous for its picturesque canyon.
Under the influence of the waters of the Gravina River, over the centuries, significant relief changes were formed - grottoes, caves, and depressions of varying sizes.
The exclusivity of the city lies in the unusual location of the caves, which were created not only by nature, but also by the first settlements, and served for thousands of years as a reliable refuge for local residents. Because of this, this area is called a cave city.
Location of Matera on the map of Italy
According to historical studies, the founding of the city occurred during the Roman Empire in the 3rd-2nd centuries BC, although the first caves appeared here several thousand years earlier.
After the collapse of the Empire in the 5th century. the city belonged to the Ostrogoth tribes, and then became the property of Byzantium. A huge number of temples in the rocks are associated with the appearance of Benedictine monks in the caves.
Being part of the Duchy of Benevento, the city was subjected to both attacks by the descendants of Charlemagne and attacks by the troops of Louis II in 869.
In 994, the Saracens also made attempts to take possession of the “cave city”.
In 1043, control of the city passed to the Norman Count William I, and then to the Hohenstaufen dynasty.
The rule of the Aragonese family in 1442 was replaced by the arrival of a representative of the Tramontano dynasty, who was distinguished by his despotic attitude towards the population, collecting exorbitant taxes from the poor. For which he paid in the end - the people committed a lynching against him.
In 1663, Matera became the capital of the newly created Basilica area. In 1927, Matera was declared the administrative center of the province.
During World War II, the local population took an active part in rebel operations against the Nazis. But, unfortunately, the enemy side took over.
Due to the conditions in which the cave population of Matera lived in the post-war period, the authorities decided to resettle the cave inhabitants into modern houses. And although most families lived below the poverty line, some of them returned to their homes and still live in them.
Sights of Matera
Historic Matera is protected by UNESCO and is the only landmark of its kind in Italy, which preserves the memory of the first settlements on the peninsula.
Also, the formation of the “city of rocks” was influenced by the identity of various civilizations, from caves and sewers to fortifications and unique architecture in the Baroque style of the 17th century.
So, while in Matera you should definitely visit:
Festivals and events
Back in 1380, Archbishop Urbano VI signed a decree to celebrate the Madonna Day on July 2. The event begins with a solemn Holy Mass. Then a statue of the Madonna is placed on a cart, which at the end of the procession will be dismantled by everyone for souvenirs, and carried through the streets. At the end of the event, residents and guests can admire colorful fireworks.
Celebrating Madonna's Day in Matera
Where to stay
Hospitable Matera offers guests about 500 different hotels for every taste - from budget to luxury, which include a maximum of services for a comfortable stay of the client:
A good selection of hotels can be found at: www.mrandmrsmith.com
Cuisine and restaurants
Since time immemorial, Matera has been famous for its wheat cultivation. It follows that the basis of the region’s cuisine is pasta and bread made from durum cereals.
Durum wheat pasta is Matera’s calling card
Also popular among locals are chicory bean soup, lampascioni (Apulian onions), and lamb ribs with onions and tomatoes. Locally produced wine – Doc Matera – has an extraordinary taste and aroma.
The Don Matto restaurant offers a good selection of dishes and a wine list, where they prepare amazing salmon and octopus dishes.
You should also try one of the most delicious desserts - tiramisu. The average price for dinner will be about 100-120 euros.
Cozy and affordable restaurant Osteria Malatesta is located in the historical part of the city. Here you can have an inexpensive snack after a tiring walk through the caves. The average price per check is 30 euros.
Osteria Malatesta is located in the historical part of the city
Great cafe Gran caffe offers a huge selection of coffee and confectionery products, the range of which changes daily. The average bill is 15-20 euros.
Weather
The city’s favorable location, in the south of the peninsula, makes it attractive to many visitors not only for its attractions, but also for its climate.
Warm winters, moderate autumns and springs make it possible to stroll along the ancient streets at any time of the year.
Summer is quite hot (29-30 °C), late autumn and early winter - there is a high probability of precipitation. The ideal time to travel is spring or early autumn.
Leisure and shopping
To fully enjoy your stay in Italy, you should definitely include a visit to the beach in your vacation program. The nearest suitable place is 39 km from Matera and is called Marina di Pisticci. The beaches of the picturesque town are ideal for family holidays.
You can relax on the beaches of Marina di Pisticci
Metaponto- another wonderful beach that is not reached by crowds of tourists. The clear water, flat bottom and white sand of the Ionian coast are perfect for those who love to bask in the rays of the Mediterranean sun.
The Basilicata region is also famous for its thermal resorts - Rapolla, Latronico, Tito.
The thermal baths of Rapolla are the closest to Matera – 107 km. The path to other resorts can be covered within 2-2.5 hours by car or bus.
As for shopping, Matera is not the place where fans of famous brand boutiques would go. Since the poorest part of the population lived here for a long time, production in the city is not particularly developed.
In Matera you can buy locally produced cheese
It is also worth considering that Matera has only recently become popular from a tourist point of view. There are shopping centers here where you can find the necessary things. You can also purchase locally produced wine or cheese.
How to get there
Airplane. The distance from the nearest airport, which is in the city, to Matera is 60 km. You can get there by train and bus.
Bus. You can get to Matera from Urbino, Naples, Bari. And also from Potenza, Metaponto, Taranto. The Rome-Matera flight takes about 7 hours.
More information about flights: www.flixbus.com
Train. The most popular train connection is Matera - Bari. Travel time – 1.5 hours. To get to Almatura, you need to spend about 25 minutes. Detailed information on the website: http://ferrovieappulolucane.it/en/
Automobile. By renting a car, you don’t have to worry about public transport schedules and delays. It is enough to choose the right route that will lead to Matera. If you are coming from the Adriatic, you should take the SS 99 road towards Altamura. To reach the city from the Tirenno Sea, first take the Salerno-Reggio Calabria road, then the S 407 towards Materea.
The website will help you decide on car rental: http://www.rentalcars.com/
Distance to nearest cities:
- Matera - Fiuggi - 408 km;
- Matera – Naples – 250 km;
- Matera – Potenza – 90 km;
- Matera – Taranto – 73 km;
- Matera - Almatura - 20 km.
A trip to ancient Matera will bring a truly unforgettable experience for every guest of the ancient settlement.
Matera will allow you to plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity
The spirit of antiquity that lives here will transport you to other civilizations and dimensions.
When visiting the unique caves where distant ancestors lived, created and were inspired, everyone will be able to feel fascinated and admired by the fruits of the incredible work and ingenuity of previous generations.
