Matera, what to see in the city of the Sassi

Matera, a city with a ravine and rock churches. But not only. Matera is the European Capital of Culture 2019 and is a unique city of its kind. Matera is waiting to be discovered. Let's see what to see in Matera and what to do.

Night view of Matera ©Photo Aaron Peterson/FullTravel.it
Night view of Matera ©Photo Aaron Peterson/FullTravel.it

Materain Basilicata, it is a city waiting to be discovered. One of a kind, it features some ancient homes in the Sassi and others along the ravine. Matera where it is located. Matera e Potenza (regional capital) represent the two provinces of Basilicata. It is the smallest in terms of inhabitants. It is located approximately 70 kilometers from Bari and 100 kilometers from Potenza. The province of Matera also includes the Ionian coast of Basilicata and the eastern area of ​​the region.

Matera tourism. Matera has grown a lot in recent years in terms of tourist presence. This, not only after the proclamation of Matera Capital of Culture. Tourist flows had already had a jolt following the appointment of Matera Heritage ofUnesco, thanks to the presence of Sassi. Let's see now what to see in Matera.

Matera Sassi

To appreciate it better Matera, among the safest in Italy, it is essential to listen to the scents that come from the small gardens of the houses in the historic center, real treasures to be discovered along the itinerary that takes you to Cathedral or through the streets of Sasso Caveoso or that Barisan (the first develops in the direction of Bari and the second in the direction of the neighbor montescaglioso).

Sassi of Matera history

Matera it has two faces, both however united by the centuries-long history that has built it, since i Benedictine monks they chose it as a place to create a lively community. Matera living nativity scene. At Christmas Matera presents itself as a living nativity scene. In recent years, among other things, precisely among the Sassi of Matera, a suggestive and particular event took place: the living crib. And it's a Matera which are found there rock churches, today a much appreciated tourist destination and once a place of worship. Homes built with tuff whose quarries are an important testimony. Right away Matera Capital of Culture.

Matera 2019

La City of Stones, as it has been renamed by many, presents all its originality and originality. There is no city like it Matera European Capital of Culture 2019. Here's what to see and what to do Matera capital of culture e City of Stones.

What to see in Matera: places of interest

Sassi of Matera

I Sassi of Matera are protected byUnesco and, for this reason, recognized as World Heritage Site. They are located in the heart of the city and represent the various evolutions of human settlements. THE Sassi of Matera are divided into Sasso Caveoso e Sasso Barisano. The Sasso Caveoso is the oldest while the Sasso Barisano, more recent, are so called because they look towards the city of Bari. Today i Sassi Matera, after the depopulation of the 50s and the renovation of recent years which preserved them in their characteristic tuff structure, they have returned to life so much so that here there are small craft shops, B&Bs, holiday homes, taverns, trattorias and entertainment venues.

Sassi di Matera ©Photo Anna Bruno
Sassi di Matera ©Photo Anna Bruno

Matera what to visit

Matera Cathedral

La Matera Cathedral represents one of the symbols of the city. Located in a high area, compared to the Sassi, can be seen in almost all the panoramic photos of the City of Stones. In Apulian Romanesque style, the Matera Cathedral It has a Latin cross layout, three naves and ten columns with capitals dating back to medieval times. There Cathedral it was built in 40 years (1230-1270) at the behest of Bishop Andrew. On the outside there is a beautiful rose window with San Michele Arcangelo. The Porta Maggiore is characterized by sculptures bearing the images of Madonna, patron saint of the city (Madonna della Bruna) and to whom the place of worship is dedicated, as well as San Pietro e St. Paul. The Matera Cathedral It also has 4 other doors. Two that overlook the square and two others that overlook Via Ransom. Inside the Cathedral, placed in a glass case, there is the statue of Madonna della Bruna.

Matera Cathedral
Matera Cathedral

Cave House in Vico Solitario

La Cave House in Vico Solitario it is an excellent starting point for understanding how people lived in the Sassi before their abandonment in the 50s. Located in Vico Solitario 11 in Matera, the house has the following characteristics: the fireplace with the area used as a kitchen, in the center of the house a small table with the single large plate from which everyone ate, the bed made up of two iron trestles , on which there were wooden planks and a bed made up of a mattress filled with corn leaves; in front of the bed, the stable with the manger that housed the mule.

Cave House in Matera
Cave House in Matera

Lanfranchi Palace

Lanfranchi Palace it is a structure with an adjoining church (on the left) dating back to the 600s. For some years it was home to a school where he taught, between 1882 and the 1884, Giovanni Pascoli (the square in front takes the name of the poet Giovanni Pascoli for this reason. Inside the Lanfranchi Palace is the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata. The Palace bears the name of the Bishop Vincenzo Lanfranchi who had it built to use as a seminary. Ticket: 2 euros full price, 1 euro reduced. Inside the Lanfranchi Palace there is the well-known work by Carlo Levi “Lucania '61”, a canvas on which the Turin artist had imprinted the faces of the Lucanian people, including the peasant mayor, Rocco Scotellaro.

Palazzo Lanfranchi, Matera
Palazzo Lanfranchi, Matera

MUSMA Museum of contemporary sculpture Matera

The MUSMA of Matera it is the most important Italian museum entirely dedicated to sculpture. Inserted in the evocative setting of Palazzo Pomarici (XNUMXth century), it is the only "cave" museum in the world, where you experience a perfect symbiosis between the sculptures and some of the most characteristic places carved in the Sassi of Matera. The museum spaces, in fact, cover not only the built-up areas of the Palace, but also the large excavated hypogea, where the vast collection of works of art is regenerated by the strength of the rock environments. The visitor can therefore experience an ideal integration, of intense emotional impact, between the centuries-old environments "excavated" by man and contemporary sculpture. MUSMA is located in Via San Giacomo. Email: info@musma.it

MUSMA Matera
MUSMA Matera

What to visit in Matera: not to be missed

Ridola archaeological museum

Il Ridola archaeological museum of Matera it was set up in the former Convent of Santa Chiara. Built in the second half of the 600th century, it was first used as a hospital and subsequently converted into a convent for the spiritual retreat of the Poor Clares. In 1872, Domenico Ridola, a great archeology enthusiast, collected the finds that came to light from his excavations. From the beginning of the 9,00th century the finds were donated to the Italian State. The museum is open every day except Monday, from 19,00 to XNUMX.

“Domenico Ridola” National Archaeological Museum, Matera
“Domenico Ridola” National Archaeological Museum, Matera

Crypt of Original Sin

La Crypt of Original Sin it is located a few kilometers from Matera. It was discovered by chance in the 60s, when it was used by shepherds to guard their flocks of sheep and offers the visitor an incredible fresco created 500 years before Giotto and created by the artist better known as "The painter of the flowers of Matera”. It is considered the Sistine Chapel of the Rock Civilization. For visits, call 0835.330583 – 320.3345323 or send an email to: info@criptadelpeccatooriginal.it.

Crypt of Original Sin - Matera
Crypt of Original Sin – Matera

Diocesan Museum of Matera

Il Diocesan Museum of Matera, inaugurated on 16 April 2011 by the Archbishop Salvatore Ligorio, was set up in old renovated rooms of the Diocese of Matera, in the former Seminary built in 1906 by the Archbishop Raffaele Rossi (Archbishop from 1899 to 1906). There are 3 large rooms on the ground floor which display various works of sacred art with a large number of sacred silvers coming from treasure of the Cathedral and from church of Santa Chiara, dating back to between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. Among the oldest objects stands out theenkolpion o pectoral cross of Byzantine manufacture from the mid-XNUMXth century, perhaps the work of Tiraz of Palermo, one of the most prestigious workshops of the Middle Ages known not only for goldsmithing but also for the manufacturing of fabrics and carpets.

Diocesan Museum of Matera
Diocesan Museum of Matera

Church of San Pietro Caveoso

La Church of San Pietro Caveoso it opens onto the square that bears the same name. It was built during the XNUMXth century in a place where another place of worship existed. The church has three naves, with side chapels. The church is located on a very suggestive natural ravine, facing the city. Admission is free.

Sassi di Matera: view of San Pietro Caveoso, Matera European Capital of Culture 2019View of San Pietro Caveoso, Matera (Sassi di Matera), European Capital of Culture 2019

10 Church of San Pietro Barisano

La church of San Pietro Barisano It is located in the heart of Sasso Barisano. It dates back to the XNUMXth century. In addition to a series of valuable works kept inside, the church also presents a curious detail: in the basement there are rooms that were used for "draining" corpses. The latter, placed in particular niches dressed in sacred vestments, were removed only after decomposition had taken place.

Church of San Pietro Barisano, Matera
Church of San Pietro Barisano, Matera

11 Church of the Purgatory

The Church of Purgatory of Matera, in the center of the city, has a "macraba" baroque façade, entirely dedicated to the theme of death. Even the door of the facade is carved with figures echoing death (skulls, skeletons, bones, etc.). The main altar of the church houses the relics of San Giovanni da Matera, San Prospero and San Callisto.

Church of Purgatory Matera - Photo Massimo Listri
Church of Purgatory Matera - Photo Massimo Listri

12 Hollow House

Casa Cava di Matera represents one of the best examples of redevelopment ever applied to a public place in the Sassi. The ancient quarry, which had been abandoned for a long time and used as a landfill, was discovered by chance and then made usable after careful and respectful work carried out by the Municipality of Matera.  Its rock environments, carved into the rock, make it a unique and unforgettable place. Today it is mainly used as an auditorium and for conference activities. Ticket: 3 euros full price; 1,50 euros reduced. Opening hours: from April to September, every day from 10am to 13pm, from 15pm to 18pm. From October to March, open only in the morning from 10am to 13pm.

Casa Cava, Matera
Casa Cava, Matera

Visit Matera

13 The Palombaro and the Hypogea of ​​Piazza Vittorio Veneto

The underground of Piazza Vittorio Veneto was discovered only recently and opened to the public for guided tours in what can be considered the "belly of the city" and which can be accessed from the most central place of the city where the remains of a rock church. The Palombaro and the Hypogea represent the place where, starting from the 800th century, the community collected water, thanks to a system that guaranteed its survival in a natural way. Free ticket up to 18 years old. Full price: 3 euros. Hours: from 10am to 13pm and from 15pm to 18.30pm. Open every day.

Matera, Piazza Vittorio Veneto ©Photo Anna Bruno/FullTravel.it
Matera, Piazza Vittorio Veneto ©Photo Anna Bruno/FullTravel.it

14 Rock churches in Matera

Matera and surroundings. Around Matera there is a vast area which is very interesting from an archaeological point of view, dotted withrock churches” very ancient. The rock churches of Matera have been grouped in the "Park of the Rock Churches“. The rupestrian churches are found in the area of ​​the viewpoint of Murgi Timmari, facing the city, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the ravine and the Sassi. One of the most interesting rock churches and the Palomba Church.

Belvedere, Matera © Photo Anna Bruno
Belvedere, Matera © Photo Anna Bruno

15 How to get to Matera

A Matera Basilicata you can arrive by plane with a stopover atBari Palese airport only 50 kilometers away. Matera is connected to Bari by Appulo Lucane Railways FAL. It is possible to reach Matera with the bus numbers di Marine, Smooth e Marozzi. By car. From the Tyrrhenian coast: Merge onto the Salerno – Reggio Calabria motorway. Follow the signs for Potenza. Then continue towards Metaponto along the SS 407 “Basentana” until the signs for Matera near Ferrandina Scalo. From the Adriatic coast: Take the Bologna-Taranto motorway until the Bari Nord exit. Continue towards the industrial area, towards Altamura-Matera, i.e. the SS 96 and then the SS 99, which will soon be modernised.  From Calabria and Sicily: Reggio Calabria-Salerno motorway. Exit at Sibari and take the SS 106 Jonica towards Taranto. Take the Matera exit, near Metaponto.  From Salento: The most convenient route is to go beyond Taranto, and take the SS 106 Jonica until the Matera exit near Metaponto.

What to do in Matera

16 Matera where to eat and typical cuisine

typical dishes of Matera cuisine draw inspiration from products like the vegetablesvegetables, the vegetable. It was the farmers who, thanks to the harvest obtained, created dishes capable of feeding the large families who lived in the area Sassi. The typical cuisine of Matera draws on the agri-food characteristics of Murgia, an immense territory that unites the nearby Puglia a Matera and its province. Very well known Matera bread and traditional dishes such as cialedda , craped.

Matera bread ©Photo Massimo Vicinanza/FullTravel.it
Matera bread ©Photo Massimo Vicinanza/FullTravel.it

Matera restaurants

I Sassi of Matera, in recent years, have seen the opening of several venues including restaurants and taverns. Many restaurants are of good quality and maintain good value for money. The restaurants in Matera offer mostly Matera and Lucanian cuisine but there is no shortage of places where it is possible to consume international cuisine. Even in the city of Matera and its surroundings, there are several good restaurants and farmhouses. Between these "The Devil's Casino” (tel. 0835 261986), at the gates of the Città dei Sassi or “The Terrace” (pan-fried pasta and bran peppers in caves with cellars from the 600s) with a panoramic terrace overlooking the Sassi of Matera.

17 Matera where to sleep

Sleeping in the heart of Sassi in Matera, it is a very simple operation. There are several hotels in Matera, some luxurious, others less but all suggestive, in the heart of Sassi of Matera. There is also a rich offer of hotel extras such as B&Bs and holiday homes. Other facilities in the city are also very interesting from a comfort and price point of view. Given the large flow of tourists, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid being sold out.

Where to sleep in Matera
Where to sleep in Matera

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Information about Anna Bruno 123 Articles
Professional journalist, former reporter for "La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno", she specializes in travel, food, music and technologies. She is co-founder of the communication and digital PR agency FullPress Agency, she is the managing director of FullTravel.it, a travel magazine and of "VerdeGusto", as well as two other magazines. She is the author of “Digital Travel” and “Digital Food”, the fourth and fifth books respectively, for Flaccovio Editore. Digital Travel & Food Specialist, she is a consultant and teacher in training courses and is the delegate for the SOUTH and Islands of the Italian Travel Press (ITP).

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