Matera
Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a truly unique city, a must-visit destination in a lifetime. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, preserving evidence of human settlement since the Paleolithic period. Matera is the city of stones, it is one of the most visited cities in Italy and the first in the south.
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The History Of Matera Extends Over The Centuries
The Sassi di Matera rises on a canyon carved by the Gravina stream, while on the opposite side lies the Murgia Materana Park. The core of Matera developed from natural caves carved into the rock, then gradually shaped into more complex structures within the two large natural amphitheaters, which are the south-facing Sasso Caveoso and the east-facing Sasso Barisano.
During the Middle Ages, Matera experienced a period of prolific construction, particularly evident in the building of churches such as the magnificent Matera Cathedral atop the city, which divides the Sassi. Other notable churches from this era include the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Dominic, and the Church of Santa Maria della Valle Verde along the Appian Way. At this time a real urban core began to form.
The unparalleled architecture of the Sassi of Matera stands as a testament to human’s extraordinary ability to adapt to his surroundings, aided by the consistent temperature of the excavated spaces.
Land of Crusaders and Saracens
The Natural Historical Archaeological Park of the Rock Churches of Materano, also known as the Park of the Murgia Materana, safeguards the oldest settlements in the region. This includes the Cave where Paleolithic artifacts were discovered, the Neolithic villages of Murgecchia and the rock villages of the Selva, and the Saracen village.
Matera will fascinate you with its rich history, from rock civilization to Byzantine and oriental influences, to Norman rule. The city witnesses and participates in the evolution of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Renaissance to Baroque.
Walking through Matera’s alleys you will see a succession of caves, underground chambers, churches, stairways and vegetable gardens all embedded in each other creating this unique place.
Matera's Treasures: From Ancient Churches to Underground Cities
Interesting and typical of Matera are the Rupestrian Churches, such as Santa Maria de Idris – San Giovanni in Monterrone, which opens to a fantastic view of the city; Santa Lucia alle Malve, which preserves the most beautiful paintings in the area; and San Pietro Barisano, the largest church, which preserves the earliest rupestrian layout.
The historic center of Matera sits atop a rise overlooking the Sassi. At Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the central square, visitors can admire the grand Palazzo dell’Annunziata and the hypogea, openings that reveal the original level of the area. Beneath the square, these hypogea form an underground city interconnected with the Sassi.The axis of streets in the historic center is called the “eighteenth-century axis,” as it took shape in the late 1600s.
Matera’s cuisine is a true delight, featuring local specialties such as orecchiette alla materana with lamb sauce, crapiata legume soup beloved by locals, and cutturidd with sheep meat. For dessert, enjoy strazzate, almond pastries that perfectly cap off a memorable culinary experience.
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