Go back in time in this ancient Sassi (stone) town of Matera, Italy.
Hidden in a canyon, that you can only reach by train, this subterranean city might be among the first human settlements since the Palaeolithic times. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this stone town consists of two neighborhoods: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Originating with prehistoric cave dwellers, their habitations are carved into the rock, with homes on top of the other. Before this rock city becomes overcrowded with tourism, here is ten recommended things to do in Matera, Italy. So bring along your walking shoes and water bottle, for there are a lot of stairs to climb and caves to explore!
1. Sassi di Matera
This is the reason why Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With extensive cave networks since the Paleolithic era, some parts of the older neighborhood in Sasso Caveoso are still uninhabited. With movies such as The Passion of the Christ being filmed here, this city gained international recognition for its ancient atmosphere. It was once considered Italy’s shame due to unsanitary conditions, now it is restored and transformed into bars, restaurants and hotels.
2. Casa Noha
The most recommended place to start in the Sassi is the Noha house. Located in the centre of Matera, this modest 16th-century home used to belong to the noble Noha family. Now it is transformed into a multimedia exhibit featuring a documentary about the poor conditions of the cave-dwelling life. Start your adventure in the Noha house as you gain insights with a moving introduction to the troglodytic life in the Sassi.
3. Chiesa rupestre di San Pietro Barisano
With the many rupestrian churches around Matera, the Stone Church of St. Peter Barisano looks simple on the outside but has a network of tunnels underground. Built around the year 1000, this surprisingly huge church is dug into the rock with facades of tufa on the outside. Get ready for a walk as this stone carved church lies further away from the stairs. This makes it less crowded and will be worth the walk as you will get to explore the labyrinth of tunnels all for yourself! It is recommended to get a combined ticket to visit the multiple rupestrian churches.
4. Palombaro Lungo
With its name deriving from plumbarius, the Latin word for plumbing works, this huge underground cistern lies right under the central city square. Known as The Water Cathedral, this tank was once the biggest water drinking reserve used by inhabitants of Sasso Caveoso. With a complex network of water collection systems made up of various water channels, this 19th-century cistern holds a big part of Matera’s troglodyte past.
5. Cattedrale di Matera
On the highest point between the two districts lies the Matera Cathedral. With an amazing view of the Sasso Barisano area, this 13th-century Apulian-Romanesque style church is a top attraction spot as the main Catholic church in Matera. The amazing golden interior was restored during the Baroque period. Here, you will find frescos, artwork, painted ceilings, and even two small chapels. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this cathedral remains an important place of worship for Matera’s inhabitants.
6. Musma
The Musma Museum of Matera holds an extensive collection of sculptures, pottery, artifacts and more displayed in cave houses. Located in the Palazzo Pomeraci, the Palace of the one hundred rooms holds two different themes. The main floor exhibits the history of sculpture since 1800, and the lower floors hold the theme of Dug. With hunting scene frescos and rooms cut into the rock, this 17th-century cave palace is a top pick of the many museums in Matera.
7. Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Of a couple of houses in Matera, the Cave House of Vico Solitaire depicts the troglodytic dwelling conditions realistically; where an average family of up to 6 members live together, sometimes sharing their room with animals such as pigs, chickens and mules. There is a documentary which will give you historical insight about Matera before it was restored. Opposite the house on the other side of the ravine is a wonderful view of a group of Neolithic cave houses dug into the rock.
8. Chiesa rupestre di Santa Lucia alle Malve
The Rocky Church of St. Lucia of Malve stands out as it’s completely carved into the hillside. Excavated from the calcareous stone, it was used as a monastic complex for Benedictine nuns. Multiple 12th-century frescos adorn the interior of the walls. A great stop to visit, next to the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario.
9. Parco della Murgia Materana
If you’re feeling adventurous, go down to the opposite side of the ravine and cross the Tibetano bridge to find the magnificent Murgia Materana Park. Continue on your adventure and explore this park where you will find ancient Neolithic caves, churches and ruins. Be prepared to work up a sweat as the steps are steep, and the paths unmarked. The breathtaking view of Matera from this perspective will be worth the effort of this rocky hike.
10. Cripta del Peccato Originale
To stretch your adventurous side further, go out to the far end and find yourself in The Crypt of the Original Sin. Covered in thousand-year-old breathtaking frescos, The Sistine Chapel of Rupestrian Art holds examples of early medieval painting in the Mediterranean. This old crypt in the rock might not be easy to find or reach, but rewarding once you’ve arrived. It is recommended to book your tickets before going.
Read also: Top 9 things to do in Angers, France
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