One the Oldest Cities in the World: A Tale of Ancient History and Captivating Culture
Travel
https://ferrovieappulolucane.it/en/
Fare
One way : €5.70 p/p
Return : €11.40 p/p
One change : Bari Centrale to Matera Centrale 7.51 -> 9.33
Direct : Matera Centrale to Bari Centrale 17.31 -> 19.15
Matera is one of the oldest city in the world, where history, culture, nature, meet and mingle creating charming landscapes. Things didn’t change with the passing of the time: Matera, incredible city dug into the calcareous rock continues left us speechless.
Life in Matera has never stopped: it’s the inhabited city since it was built, the city in which, from the Paleolithic era to the present day, you can retrace the history of man who lived here, using local resources and integrating perfectly with it. Matera is a unique city, an extraordinary timeless place.
It is also the city of the famous Sassi, the first site in southern Italy declared a World Heritage Site. The Sassi are a series of dwellings carved into the rock face of the city's hills, some of which date back to prehistoric times. These dwellings were used as homes, churches, and even as a film set for movies like Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ."
In addition to the Sassi, Matera is also home to stunning Baroque architecture, including the Matera Cathedral and the Palazzo Lanfranchi. The city also boasts beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills and vineyards stretching out as far as the eye can see.
A city of the rupestrian churches, the natural areas with different species of flora and fauna, rural traditions, landscapes of incomparable beauty.
Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture by wandering its narrow streets, sampling local cuisine, and taking in its many museums and galleries.
What to see and do
We arrived early in Matera to make the most of this unique city, the Piazza Vittorio Veneta is less than 10 mins walk away from the station. Most shops were still closed and no tours buses when arrived. The tourist info office is located here and the lady attending the office was very very helpful.
The Sassi (Cave dwellings) are about 15 mins walk away from the tourist office. As you walk through the Sassi, you'll be transported back in time to a different era. The buildings, constructed from the soft, golden limestone of the region, are a beautiful sight to behold. The streets are lined with small shops and cafes, where you can stop for a coffee or a bite to eat.
One of the most striking features of the Sassi is the way the buildings are stacked on top of each other, creating a layered effect that is both beautiful and practical. The roofs of one building serve as the courtyards of the buildings above, and the streets wind their way through the city like a maze.
As you explore the Sassi, you'll come across a number of historic churches and other buildings, many of which have been beautifully restored. The views from the higher points of the city are breathtaking, and you'll see the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside stretching out before you.
Overall, strolling through the Sassi di Matera is an immersive experience that will take you back in time to a simpler, more rustic way of life. It's a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto is a large square located in the heart of Matera and is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants.
One of the most notable features of Piazza Vittorio Veneto is the large statue of Pope John Paul II, which stands in the center of the square. The statue was erected in 2011 to honor the pope's visit to Matera in 1984.
The Church of San Giovanni Battista, also known as the Church of Saint John the Baptist.
The church's exterior is characterized by a simple, austere Romanesque facade with a rose window and a bell tower. The interior features a nave and two aisles, with a series of Romanesque arches supported by columns. The church is also adorned with beautiful frescoes and paintings from the 16th century.
One of the most notable features of the Church of San Giovanni Battista is the crypt, which dates back to the 10th century. The crypt features a series of frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint John the Baptist.
Matera Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Bruna and Santa Eustachio, is a stunning Baroque cathedral located in the historic center of the city. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and underwent extensive renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The exterior of the cathedral features a striking Baroque facade with elaborate carvings and sculptures. The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a nave and two aisles, a series of chapels, and beautiful frescoes and paintings.
One of the most notable features of the Matera Cathedral is the crypt, which dates back to the 11th century. The crypt features a series of frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Eustace, and is considered to be one of the most important examples of medieval art in southern Italy.
The Sassi di Matera is a complex of ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock face of the Gravina di Matera, a deep ravine that runs through the city. The Sassi date back to prehistoric times and are considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in the world.
The Sassi consist of two distinct neighborhoods: the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano. The Sasso Caveoso is the older of the two neighborhoods and features a maze of narrow streets and alleys, while the Sasso Barisano is characterized by its more organized layout and larger, multi-story dwellings.
The Sassi were once a poverty-stricken area of the city, but they have since been restored and transformed into a major tourist attraction. Visitors to the Sassi can explore the ancient cave dwellings, many of which have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and shops. The Sassi also feature several museums, including the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a restored cave dwelling that gives visitors an insight into what life was like for the people who lived in the Sassi.
The Church of Santa Maria de Idris is located in the heart of the Sasso Caveoso area and is carved directly into the rock face of a steep cliff. The church features a beautiful interior with frescoes dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as intricate carvings and decorations that are considered among the finest examples of medieval art in southern Italy.
The church has a rectangular nave with a vaulted ceiling and a series of apses decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ.
One of the most impressive features of the church is the large cross that dominates the main altar. This cross is carved from a single piece of stone and is considered one of the most important examples of medieval sculpture in the region. The church also features a series of smaller altars, each of which is adorned with beautiful frescoes and carvings.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Chiesa di San Francesco d'Assisi) is a beautiful church located in the historic center of Matera. The church dates back to the 13th century and was built by the Franciscan order.
The exterior of the church is characterized by its simple, yet elegant Gothic architecture. The interior, on the other hand, is decorated with beautiful frescoes and artwork. One of the most notable features of the church is the stunning rose window that is located above the main entrance.
Today, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is still an active place of worship and is a popular attraction for visitors to Matera who are interested in history, art, and architecture.
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario is a museum located in the Sassi di Matera, a complex of ancient cave dwellings in Matera, southern Italy. The museum is housed in a restored cave dwelling that dates back to the 18th century, and offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like for the people who lived in the Sassi.
The Casa Grotta features several rooms that have been furnished and decorated to recreate the living conditions of a typical Sassi family. The rooms include a kitchen with an open hearth, a bedroom with a straw mattress, and a living room with a fireplace and a traditional "panca" (a stone bench that served as both a seating area and a bed).
Visitors to the Casa Grotta can learn about the history of the Sassi and the traditional way of life in Matera. They can also see examples of traditional crafts and household items, such as woven baskets and pottery.
The Casa Grotta is a fascinating museum that provides a unique insight into the cultural heritage of Matera and the Sassi di Matera. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and traditional culture.
Palazzo Lanfranchi is a historic palace. It was built in the 17th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning frescoes. The palace is now home to the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata (MUMA), which houses a collection of art and artifacts from the region's history.
Tramontano Castle is a medieval fortress located in the historic center of Matera. The castle was built in the 16th century by the Tramontano family, a powerful noble family of the Kingdom of Naples. It was designed as a defensive structure to protect the city from invaders, with thick walls and a system of towers and battlements.
It offers visitors a chance to explore its historic architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Eat
Pignata lamb is a traditional dish from the Matera area that is cooked in a special clay pot called a "pignata."
We enjoyed the "pignata" at the Osteria La Pignata, which was simply delicious and very filling. Click here.
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