Matera

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Millennia of history carved in rock.

I speak to you from my caves inhabited since prehistoric times, from my alleys that intertwine like veins in which life flows. I am a stone nativity scene that breathes under the burning sun of Basilicata, a labyrinth of emotions that open up at every step.

My Sassi tell stories of toil and rebirth, of women and men who have made these caves their home, of civilizations that have left their mark, of a past that has never faded. Here, every corner is memory, every glimpse has become poetry.

On July 2nd, my citizens honor the Madonna della Bruna, my patron saint, with the solemn procession of the triumphal chariot which, at the end of the journey, is honored with an assault by the faithful.

At night I light up with magic, a sea of golden lights touch my houses dug into the tuff, and the silence is filled with shadows. Walking among my rock churches and the streets of my historic center, you will feel the beat of my soul and experience a unique emotion.

I was forgotten, offended, humiliated. But then, I was reborn.
From national shame to European Capital of Culture, I learned to get up again, to be admired, to enchant anyone who looks at me.

Come and discover me. My Sassi are waiting for you.

Matera

About Matera

What to see?

The Sassi. The Caveoso and the Barisano
The Palombaro Lungo, a gigantic 19th century underground cistern, located beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto
The rock churches
The Cathedral and many other historic churches

What is the difference between Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano?

The Sasso Caveoso is the oldest and most archaic area, with a more rocky appearance. The houses are almost entirely dug into the rock and maintain a closer connection with the origins of Matera. Here you will find the Church of Santa Maria de Idris, dug into the stone, and you can breathe a truly primitive atmosphere.
Sasso Barisano is the most “built” and least excavated neighborhood compared to Caveoso. Here the houses often have brick facades that integrate with the underground structures. Barisano has a more urbanized appearance and hosts numerous shops, restaurants and accommodation facilities. Its name derives from its position that looks towards Bari

What to do?

Walking in the Sassi to go back in time
Visit the cave houses
Fly over Matera like a lesser kestrel, thanks to the Flying Stones Association that offers an immersive experience with 360° 3D viewers

What to see in the surrounding area?

The Murgia Park
The ravine with its rock churches
The San Giuliano nature reserve
Montescaglioso

Why is Matera so famous?

Because, with its particular architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and became the Capital of Culture in 2019. Even the 2002 film directed by Mel Gibson,
The Passion , gave Matera worldwide visibility.

What is the “Festa della Bruna”?

“Festa della Bruna”, celebrated on July 2, is the most important and heartfelt festivity in Matera, dedicated to the Madonna della Bruna, patron saint of the city. The day opens with the traditional “Processione dei Pastori” at dawn, followed by the solemn procession of the statue of the Madonna on the majestic papier-mâché triumphal chariot. The culminating moment is the crowd’s assault on the chariot, which destroys it to take away a fragment as a symbol of good luck.

Where to sleep in Matera?

The historic center is full of holiday homes, B&Bs, hotels and short-term rental accommodations

Where to eat?

Numerous restaurants and trattorias offer visitors the chance to taste typical Matera and Lucanian cuisine

Where to learn more about Matera?

Wikipedia