Palombaro Lungo
Basilicata
Palombaro Lungo is a vast subterranean water cistern located beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Matera, Southern Italy. It forms part of the extensive underground water collection system that served the ancient inhabitants of the Sassi districts. The cistern was constructed in the 19th century, completed in 1882 based on the design by engineer Rosi, by connecting multiple pre-existing caves to accommodate the growing population's water needs. The structure features rounded walls made of calcarenite stone, coated with an ancient waterproof plaster called cocciopesto to prevent water absorption. Measuring approximately 18 meters high and 50 meters wide, it could hold about five million liters of water. Historically, residents collected water by lowering buckets through two external openings; some of these buckets remain preserved in a dry area known as "la spiaggetta." The cistern was functional for about 150 years until 1927, when the introduction of the Acquedotto Pugliese made it obsolete. Rediscovered in 1991 by a group of scholars led by Enzo Viti, Palombaro Lungo contributed to the recognition of Matera's Sassi as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name possibly derives from Latin or ancient Greek terms relating to diving or water immersion, reflecting its underground aquatic nature. Today, it stands as a remarkable example of historic water management and subterranean architecture in Matera.
Plan your trip to Italy with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors should consider touring Palombaro Lungo during the spring and autumn months to avoid the summer heat. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended due to limited access and preservation concerns. The site is part of the Matera underground heritage, so combining the visit with explorations of the Sassi districts enhances the experience. Discounts are often available for students and seniors. Wear comfortable shoes as the visit involves walking on uneven surfaces underground.
Interesting facts
- •Palombaro Lungo can hold approximately five million liters of water.
- •The cistern's walls are coated with cocciopesto, an ancient waterproof plaster technique.
- •The name 'Palombaro' may derive from Latin or ancient Greek words related to diving or immersion.
- •Some original buckets used by locals to draw water remain preserved in a dry area inside the cistern.
- •The cistern was rediscovered only in 1991 by a team led by Enzo Viti, who explored it by boat.
History
The area beneath Matera's Sassi has long contained underground cisterns, but Palombaro Lungo was constructed in the 19th century, completed in 1882 to meet increased water demands from a growing population.
It was built by connecting several ancient caves and designed by engineer Rosi.
The cistern served as a vital water reservoir for about 150 years until 1927, when the Acquedotto Pugliese provided a modern water supply, rendering Palombaro Lungo obsolete.
The site was rediscovered in 1991, which helped highlight Matera's underground heritage and contributed to the Sassi's UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Place Guide
Main Cistern Chamber1882
The central vast chamber of Palombaro Lungo features rounded calcarenite walls coated with cocciopesto plaster, showcasing historic water engineering. Visitors can observe the scale of the cistern and the dry area known as 'la spiaggetta' where original water buckets are displayed.
Contact
Phone: 339 363 8332
