MATERA
MATERA
The Ancient Archaeology Site of Italy
Famous for its 9,000 years old ancient cave dwellings, Sassi di Matera is one of the most unique ancient civilizations in the world. The historic site sits in the city of Matera, Basilicata, in southern Italy. Calcarenitic rock is literally carved into to form thousands of cave dwellings which set themselves up like a maze with pathways and steep stairs running up and down and sometimes over the roof of other homes. As one of Italy’s oldest ancient sites, Sassi di Matera is the evidence of, arguably, the first human settlement in the region. After it was named UNESCO’s World Heritage site in 1993, hotels and restaurants bloomed alongside the increased number of tourists. It is now the dream destination for leisure explorer and featured in well-known films, including The Passion of Christ, The Nativity Story, and King Davis.
GETTING THERE:
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, or the town square, is where you will be surrounded by history! Starting from the Palazzo dell’Annunziata (the old palace which is now Cine Teatro Comunale or the theater), to Chiesa di San Domenico church, and Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio. Under the town square lies the largest water reservoir in Matera, the Palombaro Lungo, that will leave you breathless!
Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, or the town square, is where you will be surrounded by history! Starting from the Palazzo dell’Annunziata (the old palace which is now Cine Teatro Comunale or the theater), to Chiesa di San Domenico church, and Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio. Under the town square lies the largest water reservoir in Matera, the Palombaro Lungo, that will leave you breathless!
GETTING AROUND
Walking is preferable if you plan to experience all the detail around the city. The city can be explored in a day, so get in shape and prepare for a good exercise!
Cathedral of Santa Maria Della Bruna
Cathedral of Santa Maria della Bruna was built in dedication of Santa Maria della Bruna and has over 8 centuries of history behind it. The striking Apulian Romanesque architecture blends medieval Roman and gothic architectures seamlessly and it can be seen anywhere in the city as the cathedral sits on the highest peak in town.
San Pietro Caveoso
Built in 1218, San Pietro Caveoso, or Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church, highlights the statues of Madonna of the mercy, Saint Paul, and Saint Peter at the entrance. The interior also boasts fascinating wall paints that were drawn in 1540.
Casa Grotta di vico Solitario
The ancient cave dwelling of Casa Grotta di vico Solitario is carefully preserved as a museum to show the way of life of the bygone civilization. It’s a simple ‘all-in-one-room’ home that simply put the living room, kitchen, bedroom, prayer room, chicken house, and horse stable together. The museum is a great place to learn about the ancient people and the history of Matera that goes back more than 7,000 years before Christianity.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT
La Dispensa di Aquatio
ADDRESS: VIA CONCHE, 75100, MATERA
TEL. +39 0835 189 1014
OPENING HOURS: EVERYDAY 19.30 – 22.00
RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
ADDRESS: ALBERGO SEXTANTIO LE GROTTE DELLA CIVITA VIA CIVITA, 28 75100 MATERA
TEL. +39 0835 332744
E-MAIL: MATERA@SEXTANTIO.IT
WEBSITE: WWW.SEXTANTIO.IT/EN/LEGROTTEDELLACIVITA/MATERA/
