HISTORY OF MATERA:
Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has a rich history dating back to the Paleolithic period, around 9,000 years ago. Located in southern Italy’s Basilicata region, it is famously known for its Sassi districts, which consist of ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs. These Sassi structures began as natural shelters in prehistorical times, later evolving into a sophisticated urban center during the Byzantine period and onward. Read More [...]
Over centuries, Matera grew into a complex cityscape with layered dwellings, churches, and monastic complexes built into the rock. During the Middle Ages, it became an important Christian site, home to numerous rock-hewn churches adorned with frescoes, reflecting both Western and Eastern Christian influences.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Matera experienced economic and population growth, but the living conditions in the Sassi deteriorated. By the 20th century, overcrowding and poverty had worsened, and the Sassi became synonymous with destitution. In the 1950s, the Italian government ordered the evacuation of the Sassi, relocating residents to modern housing. The abandoned Sassi were left as a haunting symbol of poverty until a cultural reassessment in the 1980s sparked interest in the area's heritage.
Recognized for its historical and cultural value, the Sassi of Matera were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. This recognition led to restoration efforts, turning the Sassi into a tourist attraction and vibrant community. Matera’s transformation was further solidified in 2019 when it was named the European Capital of Culture.
GEOGRAPHY OF MATERA:
Matera is situated in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, near the border with Apulia. Its landscape is dominated by limestone plateaus, cliffs, and deep ravines shaped over millennia by the Gravina River, which flows through the area. This dramatic setting, known as the Murgia Plateau, is marked by rugged terrain, sparse vegetation, and numerous caves, which have served as natural shelters for humans since prehistorical times. Read More [...]
The city’s most notable geographical feature is the Sassi. These dwellings follow the natural contours of the landscape, creating a layered effect where homes, churches, and other structures are stacked above and below each other along the slopes. The Sassi districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, overlook the Gravina River gorge, offering impressive views of both the ancient cityscape and the rugged canyon below.
In addition to the Sassi, the area surrounding Matera includes Parco della Murgia Materana, a regional park that protects both the landscape and its archaeological sites, with caves and ancient frescoed churches scattered throughout. This region’s semi-arid climate and rocky soil, along with its unique geomorphology, have contributed to Matera’s striking, almost otherworldly appearance.
TRANSPORT TO MATERA:
Reaching Matera has become more accessible in recent years, though it still lacks direct connections with other major cities in Italy. Read More [...]
By train: For those traveling by train, Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) operates a regional railway service between Bari and Matera. The train journey takes about 90 minutes, with departures available several times a day. However, the FAL trains are regional, so connections from other major Italian cities require transferring to Bari first.
By road: For car travelers, Matera is accessible via highways from various parts of Italy, especially from Bari and other cities in Apulia. Parking is available on the outskirts of the historical center, as much of Matera’s old town, particularly the Sassi districts, is pedestrian-only.
By bus: Alternatively, several bus companies offer direct services from Bari to Matera, including MarinoBus and FlixBus, providing a convenient and affordable option, with travel times averaging from 1 to 1.5 hours.
By air: The nearest major airport is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), located approximately 65 kilometers away, which connects to major cities in Italy and Europe. From Bari, travelers can reach Matera by car, bus, or train with relative ease.
Once in Matera, getting around the historical areas is best done on foot, as the narrow, winding streets and stairways are not suited for vehicles. Taxis and local bus services are also available for navigating the more modern parts of the city.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MATERA:
Matera, renowned for its ancient architecture and dramatic landscapes, offers a wealth of attractions that draw visitors from around the globe. The city's most famous landmark are the Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs. Read More [...]
These two historic districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, feature a maze of stone houses, staircases, and narrow alleys, with structures stacked atop each other, creating a layered, surreal cityscape. Wandering through the Sassi offers a glimpse into how people lived thousands of years ago, with some dwellings now transformed into museums, boutique hotels, and artisan shops. Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a reconstructed cave dwelling, gives insight into the daily life of the Sassi inhabitants before the 1950s evacuations.
Matera is also home to an extraordinary collection of rock-hewn churches, many adorned with Byzantine-style frescoes. Notable among them is the Church of Santa Maria di Idris, built into the rock and perched dramatically above the town, offering panoramic views.
The Cathedral of Matera, built in the 13th century in the Apulian-Romanesque style, sits atop Civitas Hill, providing spectacular views over the Sassi. Its interior, with intricate frescoes and elegant marble accents, reflects the city’s medieval history.
For nature and archaeology enthusiasts, the nearby Parco della Murgia Materana is a vast natural park with hiking trails that offer views of caves, ravines, and historic ruins scattered throughout the landscape. The park also has ancient frescoed churches hidden in the rocky cliffs, adding to the sense of discovery for adventurous travelers.
In recent years, Matera has also become a hub for film enthusiasts, with several iconic movies, including The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die, filmed here. Its timeless scenery and preserved architecture make Matera a unique destination where visitors can experience thousands of years of history within a single, stunning cityscape.
EVENTS IN MATERA:
Matera hosts a variety of cultural and religious events that highlight its rich heritage and vibrant community. One of the most celebrated is Festa della Bruna, held annually on July 2 in honor of the Madonna della Bruna, the city’s patron saint. This centuries-old festival combines religious devotion with spectacular traditions, including a procession featuring an ornately decorated papier-mâché float carrying a statue of the Madonna through Matera’s streets. The festival culminates with the symbolic destruction of the float, an act believed to bring good fortune, followed by a grand fireworks display over the Sassi. Read More [...]
Throughout the year, Matera hosts various music festivals, such as the Gezziamoci Jazz Festival, which fills the city with jazz performances by Italian and international artists.
Since being named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera has expanded its calendar with art exhibitions, theater performances, and cultural events that celebrate local and international creativity. These events showcase Matera’s transformation from an ancient city to a thriving cultural hub.
