Find out how to visit Matera's sassi dwellings and rupestrian churches.
July 12, 2024
Italy is a perennial favorite among European and North American travelers. Who can resist the prospect of exploring the Venetian canals by gondola, delving into the wonders of Ancient Rome, or eating Neopolitan pizza overlooking the Bay of Naples?
Southeast Italy is a less-traveled region with an Adriatic coastline and unique cities rich in history. Matera, in the region of Basilicata, is one such city. Thought to be the third-oldest settlement in the world, Matera is known for its “sassi” cave dwellings carved directly into the limestone rocks.
Matera is the oldest city in Italy and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. People have lived in the sassi of Matera since its foundations were laid out during the Palaeolithic era – some 7,000 years ago or perhaps even longer. It was unearthed that families lived in the caves without electricity and running water as recently as the 1950s. This situation was dubbed Italy’s “Great Shame” and swiftly rectified.
As with most Italian cities, Matera is best experienced on foot. Spiraling out from the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the elevated Old Town of Matera affords gracious views of the Cave City that pop at sunrise and sunset in particular.
Matera comprises over 150 churches and chapels. Many of these are rupestrian churches, meaning they too are carved directly into the rock. Dating to the 12th century, the Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano is the largest and most visually spectacular. Meanwhile, Matera Cathedral is a glorious example of a traditional Romanesque church building.
The Sassi di Matera district is divided into two parts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Select properties including Casa Noha and Casa Cava have been converted into museums with historical relics and multimedia exhibits. This part of town should be visited with a local guide for a deeper understanding of Matera’s heritage.
Do also swing by the Sassi in Miniatura exhibition and see the replica model of Matera’s sassi districts. It’s located in a souvenir store where you can tackle any gift shopping.
Alternatively, you can charter a driver to show you around the sights. As most of Matera is car-free, these tours are delivered via a private tuk-tuk.
All 35 rooms at the Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa are carved directly into the limestone tuff. The esteemed architect Simone Micheli left the walls bare and adopted a minimalist approach with extra attention paid to quality. The heated swimming pool is also set in the natural rock while the property restaurant serves gourmet cuisine by candlelight.
Matera may be visited as a day trip or as part of a wider travel itinerary in Southern Italy. Staying overnight is highly recommended for the luxury experience of sleeping in one of Matera’s cave hotels.
The Basilicata region is located to the west of Puglia and Matera stands right on the border. As such, you may wish to visit Matera in conjunction with the Trulli of Alberobello and the Adriatic coastal villages.
Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to plan your authentic Italian experience to Matera and Southern Italy.
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