The idyllic destination for James Bond’s No Time To Die and voted as the European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera has gone from Italy’s dubbed ‘City of Shame’ to one of the country’s most unique and vibrant spots. This article will explore its rich history and one-of-a-kind architecture, and the transformation of Matera from a rural area to a vibrant hub of culture and art.
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Matera’s remarkable history
It’s hard to believe that Matera was once seen as a no-go zone. The caves that once housed the city’s poor and exploited rural workers are now one of the biggest highlights of this ancient city.
However, the story of Matera begins all the way back in the Paleolithic era when the first inhabitants settled in the caves.
When going on an Italy tour that includes a visit to Matera, you will witness its famous sassi (stone houses carved out of the caves and cliffs) which sprawl below the rim of a yawning ravine just waiting to be discovered. This seeming jumble of faded stone huts was continuously inhabited for centuries, and this habitation shaped the unique culture and architecture of Matera.
The sassi architecture and design
No doubt the best way to explore this ancient city is to get lost wandering through the labyrinthine streets and alleys of the two sassi districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Here, you can explore the beautiful designs inside the cave houses, and learn how they allowed residents to quickly adapt to their rocky surroundings.
Don’t miss finding out more about the cisterns and water management of this area, either. Matera’s elaborate cistern system has sustained its population for generations – and is definitely worth examining.
There are also many ancient rock-cut churches in the area. Hunting for the Church of San Pietro Barisano and the Church of Santa Lucia will leave you with the dazzling reward of seeing what happens when religion and architecture meet in the middle.
One of the best times to explore both these churches and the cave dwellings is in the late afternoon. The glow of the sunset makes this architecture even more dazzling.
Experiencing Matera today
If you’re lucky enough to visit Italy’s ancient city of stone, there are a few other places in Matera worth experiencing besides the jaw-dropping stone houses. Why not take a trip to Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a cave house in vico Solitario that offers insight into the peasant lifestyle within the Sassi district all the way back in the 1950s?
You could also pop into the Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera, a museum featuring sculptures, pottery and other artefacts found in Matera’s cave houses. Last but not least, the many panoramic viewpoints offer tourists some unforgettable 360 views of Italy’s ancient stone city.
As well as must-see attractions in Matera, there’s also the chance to sample the local Italian cuisine and try the best of Matera’s local dishes. A glass of Matera’s delicious wine is the perfect refreshment for watching the sun go down.
At the beginning of July, Matera’s main festival takes place. The Festa della Bruna is held in honour of the town’s sacred protectress, the Madonna della Bruna.
However, this is far from a religious event. Don’t miss your chance to join thousands of people for a week of celebrations with coloured lights, town bands and massive processions, before finishing things off with the biggest bang yet – a spectacular fireworks display.
Matera has come a long way since its inception. Don’t miss a visit to this ancient Italian city the next time you take a trip to the land of pizza and pasta!
