Sassi di Matera
Basilicata
The Sassi di Matera are two ancient districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, located in Matera, Basilicata, Italy. These districts are renowned for their cave dwellings carved into the calcarenitic rock, locally called "tufo," which have been continuously inhabited since the Paleolithic era, making them among the oldest human settlements in Italy. The Sassi form part of Matera's historic center along with the Civita and the Piano districts, situated on the slopes of the Gravina ravine. Architecturally, the Sassi feature houses, churches, and cisterns integrated into the rock, with streets often running atop other houses, reflecting a complex and layered urban fabric. Historically marginalized due to poverty and health issues, the area underwent forced evacuation in the 1950s but has since been revitalized through UNESCO recognition and local initiatives, transforming into a vibrant cultural and tourist destination. The Sassi have also served as filming locations for numerous international films due to their evocative ancient appearance. Today, the area hosts thriving businesses, hotels, and cultural sites, offering visitors a unique glimpse into a millennia-old way of life.
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Tip: The best time to visit Sassi di Matera is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the area is less crowded. It is advisable to book guided tours or accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visitors can benefit from combined tickets or passes for local museums and rupestrian churches. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to uneven stone pathways and steps. Exploring both Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts provides a fuller experience of the site’s historical and architectural diversity.
Interesting facts
- •The Sassi di Matera are considered among the first human settlements in Italy, inhabited since the Paleolithic period.
- •They were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 for their cultural landscape and unique rock-cut architecture.
- •The districts have been used as filming locations for notable films such as "The Passion of the Christ" (2004) and "Wonder Woman" (2017).
- •The name 'Sasso' derives from the Latin 'saxum', meaning rock or great stone.
- •Matera is often called the 'city of stone' due to its extensive use of stone in architecture and urban design.
History
The Sassi di Matera originated as prehistoric troglodyte settlements, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 7000 BC.
Over centuries, the area evolved into a complex urban settlement with influences from Neolithic fortified villages, medieval Norman-Swabian fortifications, Renaissance and Baroque expansions.
In the 1950s, due to poor living conditions and health concerns, the Italian government relocated much of the population to modern areas, marking a significant change in the site's use.
Since the 1980s, restoration efforts supported by UNESCO and the European Union have revitalized the Sassi, preserving its cultural heritage and transforming it into a notable tourist destination.
Place Guide
Sasso Barisano District
Located on the north-west side of Matera, Sasso Barisano features carved portals and decorative friezes. It was historically the district facing the road towards Bari and contains various quarters and neighborhoods with distinct characteristics.
Sasso Caveoso District
Facing south towards Montescaglioso, Sasso Caveoso is shaped like a cavea of a theater with houses arranged in terraces. It includes several quarters such as u lammårde, u paravüse, and la pendèfece, reflecting a complex social and architectural fabric.
Civita and Cathedral13th century
The Civita district stands on a rocky spur dividing the two Sassi valleys and hosts the Romanesque Cathedral of Matera, a key religious and architectural landmark.
Palombaro Lungo19th century
An extensive underground water reservoir located beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, built in the 19th century, serving as an important water collection system for Matera.
