Matera: The City of Sassi Between History and Magic

In the heart of Basilicata rises one of Italy's most extraordinary and fascinating places: Matera, the famous City of Sassi. This architectural gem, carved into the limestone rock of Murgia, represents one of the oldest and most spectacular testimonies of human ingenuity, earning recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Walking through Matera's alleys means taking a journey back in time, crossing millennia of history that unfold in a landscape unique in the world. The cave dwellings carved into the rock, the frescoed rock churches, and the breathtaking views over the ravine make this city an unforgettable experience that has also conquered international cinema.

It's no coincidence that Matera was designated European Capital of Culture 2019, confirming its leading role on the world cultural stage. Today we'll guide you through the discovery of this treasure of Lucania, between millennial traditions and contemporary rebirth.

The Sassi of Matera: A Unique World Heritage

The beating heart of Matera is undoubtedly the Sassi, divided into two main districts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. These ancient neighborhoods represent one of the oldest urban settlements in the world, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Paleolithic period.

Sasso Caveoso: The Ancient Heart

The Sasso Caveoso is the older of the two districts and the one that best preserves its original appearance. Here the cave houses follow one another in a labyrinth of narrow streets, stairways and terraces that seem to defy the laws of gravity. The panorama that opens from Madonna de Idris is simply spectacular.

Sasso Barisano: Between History and Modernity

The Sasso Barisano, more extensive and facing northwest, presents a slightly more "urban" aspect while maintaining the intact charm of rock dwellings. Here you'll find some of the most characteristic hotels carved from ancient caves.

Rock Churches: Masterpieces Carved in Stone

Matera houses over 150 rock churches, true treasures of Byzantine and medieval art carved directly into the limestone rock. These places of worship, many of which are still visitable, tell the spiritual and artistic history of the city.

Must-See Churches

• Church of Santa Maria de Idris: perched on a rocky spur, offering Byzantine frescoes of rare beauty
• Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve: the first female monastic settlement in the city
• Church of San Pietro Barisano: the largest rock church in Matera
• Crypt of Original Sin: nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel" of rupestrian wall painting

The Historic Center: Between Squares and Noble Palaces

Beyond the Sassi, Matera boasts an elegant historic center that develops around the splendid Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Here baroque and renaissance architecture harmoniously dialogues with the rupestrian one, creating a fascinating contrast.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Matera's main square is Piazza Vittorio Veneto, surrounded by elegant palaces and the Church of Purgatory with its baroque façade decorated with skulls and skeletons. From here you can easily access the Sassi through Via del Corso.

Matera Cathedral

Dominating the city from above stands the Cathedral of Madonna della Bruna and Sant'Eustachio, a masterpiece of 13th-century Romanesque-Apulian art. The interior houses precious works of art and from its position offers an incomparable panoramic view of the Sassi.

What to Absolutely See in Matera

Organizing a visit to Matera requires at least two days to fully appreciate the city's wonders. Here are the places you absolutely cannot miss:

Museums and Cultural Sites

• Cave House of Vico Solitario: to understand how people lived in the Sassi
• Palazzo Lanfranchi: seat of the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata
• MUSMA: Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, housed in Palazzo Pomarici
• Casa Noha: for a multimedia journey through Matera's history

Panoramic Points

• Murgia Timone Viewpoint: for the most photographed view of the Sassi
• Church of San Pietro Caveoso: terrace with breathtaking views
• Panoramic Road of the Sassi: to admire the city's profile

Unique Experiences and Local Traditions

Matera is not only history and architecture, but also living traditions and authentic experiences that make the visit even more memorable.

The Feast of Madonna della Bruna

On July 2nd Matera celebrates its patron saint with a spectacular festival that culminates with the ritual destruction of the triumphal cart. An event rooted in millennial traditions that involves the entire city.

Lucanian Gastronomy

Materan cuisine reflects Basilicata's peasant culture with simple but flavor-rich dishes:

• Matera Bread IGP: the famous yellow bread with crispy crust
• Orecchiette with turnip greens
• Lamb cutturiddu style
• Cruschi peppers: the crispy dried peppers typical of Basilicata

Where to Stay: Cave Hotels

One of the most authentic experiences Matera can offer is sleeping in a cave. Many of the ancient rupestrian dwellings have been transformed into charming hotels that combine historical fascination with modern comfort.

"Sleeping in Matera's Sassi means waking up every morning in a piece of millennial history, surrounded by a magical silence that only stone can offer."

How to Reach and Visit Matera

Matera is easily reachable both by car and public transport. The city has connections with Bari (65 km), Potenza (100 km) and with the main cities of southern Italy.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Comfortable shoes: the Sassi have many stairs and irregular surfaces
• Water: especially in summer, always bring a water bottle
• Local guide: to fully understand the city's history and legends
• Best period: spring and autumn to avoid summer heat

Matera awaits you to offer unique emotions, in a journey that crosses millennia of human history. This extraordinary city, which has been able to rise from its past, today represents one of the most precious treasures of our cultural heritage. Prepare to be breathless before the timeless beauty of the City of Sassi.