Matera Main Page

Welcome to Matera: a beautifully preserved city, often called the "second Bethlehem" for its historic cave dwellings.

Matera, the jewel of Italy, is one of the most intriguing and unique places in Italy. Located in the Basilicata region, it is a city steeped in history dating back more than 7,000 years, with structures carved directly into the limestone rock itself.

Matera highlights:

• Rioni Sassi: 1993 Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Sasi are ancient rock settlements that have been inhabited since the Paleolithic. This is an amazing feat of ancient urban ecosystem engineering that should not be missed.
• Matera Cathedral: from this XIII century. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, located at the highest point of the city, offers spectacular views of the Sassi River. It is characterized by impressive Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles. li>
  
• Museum MUSMA: Matera Museum of Contemporary Sculpture is located in the 16th century. inside the palace, it houses a large collection of sculptures and art installations created by various artists from around the world.
• National Archeological Museum Domenico Ridola: with a rich collection of ancient finds that tell the story of the intriguing past of Matera and Basilicata.

A trip to Matera is not just a vacation, it is a walk through the ancient human history embodied in every street, cave and stone of the city. Prepare to be blown away by the extraordinary combination of culture, history and scenic beauty that only Matera can offer.

History of Matera

Matera, also known as the "City of Sassia", is an ancient city inhabited for thousands of years. The city has a unique and enchanting charm rooted in a fascinating history. From the Paleolithic era to the growth of the Byzantine city, then the complex history of the 20th century and the recent Renaissance, Matera's past is as multi-layered as its famous cave settlements.

The first evidence of human settlements in Matera dates back to the Paleolithic. The city is dominated by the Sassi di Matera, ancient rock settlements dug into the limestone rock. These houses were inhabited until the 1950s, making Matera one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Over the centuries, Matera has experienced various cultural influences. The city belonged to the Byzantine Empire, where monks carved churches directly from the rocky landscapes and decorated them with precious frescoes that can still be seen today.

• Middle Ages and Renaissance

The Middle Ages brought turbulent times with frequent invasions. However, Matera survived these difficult times and saw a cultural renaissance during the Renaissance. However, in the 20th century, Sassi were considered a symbol of poverty. Sassi residents were moved to modern housing in the 1950s due to poor living conditions. This sign left deep scars in the collective memory of Matera.

• Matera today

In recent decades, Matera has experienced a remarkable renaissance. Many of the old Sassi have been restored and converted into welcoming accommodation, restaurants and vibrant artisan shops. In 1993, UNESCO declared the Sassi of Matera a World Heritage Site, recognizing their historical, cultural and human value. And in 2019 Matera was chosen as the European Capital of Culture, reflecting its important role in Italy's cultural landscape.

Matera is a charming town in Basilicata, southern Italy, with geological and natural features. Known for its intricate network of 'sassi' or 'stone houses', this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an open-air museum of historic houses carved directly into the calcite rock.

Perched on the edge of a rugged ravine, Matera boasts an incredible natural and man-made landscape. The city's surroundings are characterized by lush valleys and terraced fields that reveal the hand of human cultivation. The Murgia National Park extends to the east, in stark contrast to the urban landscape with rolling hills, barren ravines and vibrant forests.

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  Murgia National Park: This park has scenic hiking trails, numerous Neolithic sites, underground rock churches, and unique views of the city.
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  Gravina River: Meandering through the gorge, it once powered the town's old mills and offers a refreshing touch to the rugged landscape.

Also notable are the city's Paleolithic cave dwellings. These caves enhance the ancient charm of Matera and showcase a fascinating combination of nature and architecture. This combination of natural beauty and human achievement makes Matera's geography extremely fascinating and a defining aspect of the city's enduring appeal.

Influence and legacy
The cradle of civilization, Matera is known for its unique beauty and ancient history, which has greatly shaped it into what it is today.

Influence of architecture
Often referred to as "Sassi", or the city of stones, Matera has a wonderful mix of ancient caves, Paleolithic settlements and elaborate Baroque structures. Impressive architecture and construction techniques have influenced cities around the world and encouraged the adoption of sustainable building practices. For this item in 2019 Matera was named European Capital of Culture.

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• Artistic Heritage: Throughout history, Matera has been a thriving center of artistic expression, inspiring artists of various media. The city's distinctive landscape has been captured in numerous films, including Bible adaptations by Pier Paolo Pasolini and Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.
• Culinary legacy: The gastronomy of Basilicata, the region where Matera is home to, has greatly influenced Italian cuisine with its traditional bread, cheese and wine. He also enriched the culinary arts of the world by encouraging the use of local and organic ingredients.
• Cultural heritage: Matera stands out for its centuries-old festivals celebrating its rich history and traditions. One such event is every year on July 2. the festival "Festa della Bruna" is held, attracting visitors from all over the world.