The town of Matera, etched right into the stone, stands as one of Italy’s most recognizable attractions. This historic settlement features distinctive architecture and holds some of the region’s most remarkable cultural treasures. Overflowing with history and customs, it reflects the traces left behind by various civilizations over time.
The 'City of the Sassi,' Matera Matera stands as the longest continuously inhabited town in Italy. Nestled in the central part of the Basilicata region in southern Italy, this city attracts visitors with its remarkable rock-cut architecture and significant cultural influence across the nation. Among its earliest relics are some from the Stone Age, which makes it one of the oldest known human settlements globally.
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The heart of humanity
The presence of ancient structures within the city indicates that Matera has been inhabited by humans for nearly 12,000 years. Although officially established by a Roman official named Matheola in 251 BC, the town has provided refuge to various groups throughout history up until the 15th century. th Throughout the century, various groups such as the Lombards, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans inhabited the city. Each group introduced their distinct cultures and lifestyles, leaving lasting impacts that endured long after they were gone.
In 1514, Matera began playing a significant part. Due to the town’s seclusion from principal Italian urban centers, the nobility abandoned it, forcing the residents to band together to survive an era marked by severe destitution and self-sufficiency. Consequently, the community relied heavily on their age-old traditions. troglodyte The residences underwent redevelopment, and new caves called Sassi were constructed directly on the mountain slope. For over four hundred years, the Sassi Matera emerged as the emblem of a disadvantaged area, highlighting the disparity against a thriving Italy.
A mix of modernity and ancient charm
Initiated in 1950 by the Italian government, the Matera urban renewal initiative has revitalized the city. This project aims explicitly at rejuvenating the area while maintaining its distinctive charm and beauty. Upon your visit to Matera, you'll notice an extraordinary ambiance. Its winding pedestrian-only lanes showcase homes in various architectural styles. Standing atop the walls offers stunning vistas of Italy’s rural landscape—a harmonious blend of expansive verdant fields and rocky mountain ranges.
Matera is increasingly engaging with the global community through its profound historical heritage. In 1993, the town's Sassi and rock churches were designated as UNESCO The location has been named a World Heritage Site, and in 2019, the historic city will receive the title of "European Capital of Culture," solidifying its status on the global scene. Matera’s tourism thrives due to its charmingly rustic ambiance and uniquely authentic environment.
What to explore in Matera? Top 5 unmissable locations
The Sassi of Matera
The town's primary attraction, the Sassi In Matera, you'll find structures that are excavated into the hillsides, featuring bright white facades and windows. The interiors are equally innovative, with furnishings sculpted directly out of the stone and intricate carvings etched onto the walls. Numerous cave homes can be explored for mere pennies. While some retain their authentic condition, others have undergone thorough renovations to serve as temporary residences or small artisan workshops.
The Palombaro Lungo, the cistern in Matera
Perched atop a limestone hill distant from any flowing streams, Matera has utilized an extensive subterranean system of channels connected to a massive reservoir for collecting rainfall over many centuries... this site remains open for exploration. Explore beneath the heart of the city through a sequence of walkways and passages to uncover the methods employed for purifying and subsequently distributing the gathered water among residents.
The Luigi Guerricchio belvedere
After visiting the underground passages, time to head for the roofs of Matera. From this immense terrace, you can enjoy an almost bird’s-eye view of the town centre and its many stone houses. This is the perfect place to rest during your expedition, and to capture the moment with some excellent shots.
The Duomo Cathedral of Matera
Named Madonna della Bruna e di Sant'Eustachio This colossal structure ranks among the most stunning in the area. Situated at the pinnacle of the city, the Romanesque cathedral is distinguished by its elaborate embellishments and a ceiling featuring a mix of carvings and artwork. Towards the rear, visitors can admire a large stone altar and an intricate mural, remnants from the site’s ancient medieval decor.
The Matera Cathedral
Piazza Duomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
+39 0835 332908
The canyon
Beneath the town lies a significant fissure in the ground, which serves as an excellent beginning for wonderful hiking trails. A robust suspension bridge allows you to traverse this gap. Beyond the bridge, a trail leads to the area’s most ancient cave habitats—dating from prehistoric eras. Above the site stands a church constructed completely out of stone. This vantage point offers spectacular panoramic views of Matera.