During our 2019 visit to Italy to see our family, we visited the beautiful city of Matera Italy. This part of Matera is the ancient town of Sassi di Matera which is a cave city. Situated in southern Italy in the Basilicata Region, the Sassi di Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of a series of ancient cave dwellings.
What are the Sassi di Matera?
The Sassi di Matera are a series of ancient cave dwellings located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. Carved into the tufa rock of the Murgia plateau, the homes and churches of the Sassi date back to the Palaeolithic period, making them some of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in existence.
The history of the Sassi
The Sassi are homes that dug into the rock itself. Below are so
me pictures that we took inside one of the Sassi. Despite being largely abandoned in the 1950s due to their poor living conditions, the Sassi have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years and are now a popular tourist destination. Below we go through some of the highlights of its transformation over time.
The transformation of the Sassi over time
Originally, the Sassi were two separate villages, the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano. However, during the 9th century, the two villages merged to form one community.
During the 13th century, the Sassi were conquered by the Angevin king Charles II of Naples. He ordered the construction of a castle, which was built in the Sasso Caveoso. The castle was designed to protect the village from attack.
In the 15th century, the Sassi was again conquered, this time by the Aragonese. They constructed a number of palaces and churches in the Sassi.
In the 18th century, the Sassi went through a period of decline. This was due to a number of factors, including an earthquake that destroyed many of the buildings, and a cholera epidemic that killed many of the residents.
In the 20th century, the Sassi began to be restored. This was a gradual process, and it wasn't until the 1980s that the Sassi was truly reborn. Today, the Sassi are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy.
Filming location of The Passion of the Christ and Ben-Hur
The Sassi di Matera has been used as a filming location for several well-known movies, including The Passion of the Christ and Ben-Hur. The Sassi provides a unique and atmospheric setting for these films, and it is not surprising that they have become such popular destinations for filmmakers.
What to see and do in the Sassi today
This guide will explore some of the best things to see and do in the Sassi today.
Matera Sassi Storica Casa Grotta
The Matera Sassi Storica Casa Grotta is one of the best-preserved cave dwellings or cave houses in the Sassi. This dwelling was inhabited until the 1950s and has been turned into a museum. Visitors can explore the different rooms of the house and learn about the traditional way of life in the Sassi.
For more information on the Casa Grotta, click here.
Check out some of the pictures that we took during our visit:
The Neviera
The neviera is a traditional type of storage structure found in the Sassi of Matera. It was used to store snow and ice in the winter, which could then be used to cool food and drinks in the summer. The neviera was an important part of daily life in the Sassi and helped to keep people cool in the hot summer months.
The neviera was usually built into the side of a hill or mountain, and it had a roof made of stone or wood. The inside of the neviera was lined with straw or hay, and the snow and ice were placed on top of this. The neviera had a small door at the front, which was used to access the snow and ice.
The neviera was a vital part of life in the Sassi, and it was used to cool food and drinks in the summer months. The neviera helped to keep people cool in the hot weather, and it was also used to store snow and ice in the winter.
Check out some of the pictures that we took during our visit:
The Cave Church of Santa Maria de Idris - One of several cave churches
One of the most interesting things that you will find in Matera, Italy are cave churches or Rupestrian churches. The first stop on any visit to the Sassi should be the Cave Church of Santa Maria de Idris. This church was carved out of rock in the 12th century and is a beautiful example of medieval architecture. The church is open to the public and visitors can explore the nave, crypt, and catacombs.
The church can be reached by a short hike from the town of Matera. To get there, follow the signs from the main square in Matera, which will lead you to the church. The church is located in a small cave and is only accessible by a narrow staircase.
The Cave Church of Santa Maria de Idris is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Sassi di Matera. The church is known for its unique location, as it is situated in a small cave.
Museo di Palazzo lanfranchi
Next, head to the Museo di Palazzo lanfranchi, which is one of the best-preserved examples of a nobleman’s residence from the Sassi era. The palazzo was built in the 13th century and features a beautiful frescoed interior. Visitors can explore the ground floor of the palazzo, which has been turned into a museum.
Check out their official site here.
Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina
For something a bit different, head to the Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina, which is located in an abandoned cave dwelling. The museum features exhibits on the traditional way of life in the Sassi, as well as a workshop where visitors can try their hand at making traditional bread.
For more information, visit their official site here.
Il Belvedere
Finally, no visit to the Sassi di Matera would be complete without seeing the stunning views from Il Belvedere. This lookout point is located on the edge of the ravine and offers incredible views of the Sassi below.
For more information, visit Il Belvedere's site.
Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
The Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli is one of the best viewpoints in Matera. This lookout point is located on the edge of a ravine and offers amazing views of the Sassi below.
To reach the Belvedere, visitors can follow a series of steps that lead up from Piazza Giovanni Pascoli. The steps are quite steep, so visitors should take care when navigating them.
The Belvedere is a great place to go to get a glimpse of the old town of Matera, which is nestled between the cliffs at the base of the ravine. The views from the lookout point are simply breathtaking and make for some incredible photo opportunities.
The town of Matera - Outside the Cave Dwellings
One of the most popular destinations is the town itself, which is located just outside the Sassi area in Southern Italy. The ancient town grew and here you can find shops, restaurants, and historic sites like churches and palaces. The town perfectly adapted and expanded to have its own historic center. This is the modern part of Matera. The town sits on the opposite side of the Sassi or cave houses.
We have captured one of Matera's streets, and you can get them here. This is outside of the Sassi. Matera has a limited traffic zone and this is one of the few streets where traffic was allowed. Of course, this also means that parking is not so easy to find.
We snapped this picture of the streets of Matera, and you can take this photo home here.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll through the course, no visit to Piazza Vittorio Veneto would be complete without stopping at one of the many charming cafes or restaurants that line the square. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious meal while taking in the gorgeous views and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Matera’s old town.
For more information on the piazza, check out the Italian Government site.
And, of course, the food!!
There are plenty of great places to eat in Matera, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal. For something quick, grab a slice of pizza from one of the many pizzerias in town. Or, try a traditional dish such as frittata di pasta e fagioli, a type of omelette made with pasta and beans.
For a sit-down meal, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. For something a bit different, try Taverna Re Manfredi, a restaurant located in an old cave dwelling.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find something to your taste in Matera. So, why not visit the Sassi di Matera and explore this unique destination for yourself?
Check out some of the food that you could get there:
The Sassi di Matera is a must-see for anyone visiting Italy. This guide has explored some of the best things to see and do in the Sassi, including the Matera Sassi Storica Casa Grotta, the Neviera, the Church of Santa Maria de Idris, and the Museo di Palazzo lanfranchi. All of these attractions offer a unique insight into the history and culture of the Sassi di Matera.
To bring Matera into your home, check out our photos from Matera, Rome and other Italian towns here. Below is one of our latest additions to the collection, which you can find here. Also, check out one of our photos in black and white here.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit Matera today!
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