DISCOVER THE ANCIENT TOWN OF MATERA, THE THIRD OLDEST IN THE WORLD
The South of Italy is known for the exceptional charm of its little villages, stunning beaches, exquisite gastronomy, and welcoming people. Besides that, it is also home to some of the most remarkable historical cities in the country. The ancient town of Matera is the third oldest in the world, dating back to the Palaeolithic. Matera, located in the mountainous region of Basilicata, is the capital of the Province of Matera.
The absolute highlight of Matera is the impressive Sassi district, well-known for its ancient cave dwellings, still inhabited until the middle of the 20th century.
Matera is the perfect location for travelers who want to immerse in one of the world's most unique sceneries. Strolling through the rocky streets of the Sassi di Matera will make visitors feel as if time had stopped for a moment in remote ages. Staring at the breathtaking views of the town will look like being in front of an extraordinary oil painting with muted colors and endless textures. Travelers who appreciate the beauty of ancient times and find inspiration in art will be delighted to discover the cultural heritage of the Sassi di Matera.
The Sassi consists of two districts of stone dwellings: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Sasso is a concept that derives from the Latin saxum, which means stone. The Sassi are part of Matera's old town.
The best way to explore the Sassi di Matera is by rambling freely in the harmonic structure of intricate paths, stairways, and courtyards with wide-open eyes soaking in the authenticity and romanticism of this ancient town. Some of the streets are relatively abrupt and hilly. Therefore, comfortable shoes and strong legs are a requirement for travelers to enjoy a pleasant journey walking up and down throughout the Sassi.
WHEN TO VISIT MATERA
Matera is an all-year-long destination. However, off-season travel is preferred to wander around calmly and acknowledge the power of stillness emanating from this ancient city. March, April, and May are the best months to travel to Matera in Spring. The end of September, October, and November are the perfect months to fancy an Autumn experience in Matera.
A minimum stay of two full days would be ideal for a meaningful visit to Matera to explore every nook of this beautiful town and its surroundings at the slow pace the place calls for. Watching the sunset from one of the highest spots and walking throughout the city at night are two unmissable things to do in Matera.
AN INSPIRING JOURNEY IN SASSI DI MATERA
Amongst all the fascinating spots in Sassi di Matera, touring the most inspiring views might not be as easy as it could seem. Here are some recommendations to boast a memorable travel experience in the Sassi:
PIAZZA SAN PIETRO CAVEOSO: one of the favorite starting points for visiting the Sassi di Matera. This square is one of the top areas for capturing the city's essence from the Sasso Caveoso district. The views from Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, located at a relatively low altitude, offer a unique perspective over a large part of Matera. The churches of Santa Maria De Idris and San Pietro Caveoso are on one side, and on the other side, a view of the ravine of the Gravina River and the Murgia Materana Park.
SANTA MARIA DE IDRIS: sitting at the top of the Monterrone cliff, the rupestrian church of Santa Maria De Idris is one of the highlights of Matera's ancient city. Located in the Sasso Caveoso area, next to the Piazza and Church of San Pietro Caveoso, this hewn-rock church is utterly impressive because of its unusual cave-shaped architecture and scenic views of the city. Santa Maria de Idris dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, and visiting the inside to discover its hidden gems is worthwhile.
PIAZZA DUOMO: undoubtedly one of the best viewpoints over the Sasso Barisano quarter. Facing the labyrinthic complex of old stone streets, paths, stairways, and courtyards, the cathedral's square is the perfect spot to spend some time staring at the stunning sundown light and how it reflects in the caves and rocks all over the city. Enhanced by the relaxing live music of artists, this will make for a unique travel experience in Matera.
VIA MURO AND FONTANA DELL'AMORE: via Muro is a picturesque street that descends from Piazza Duomo to the Sasso Caveoso. It surrounds the district from one of the highest levels in the ancient city. The panoramic backdrop visible along this way is one of the most characteristic of the Sassi. This winding street is full of elegant stairways, arches, ancient portals, and houses carved into the rocks. At the intersection with Via San Giacomo, the Fontana dell'amore (Fountain of Love), featuring life-size bronze statues, is reminiscent of everyday life sceneries in former times.
CONVENTO DI SANT'AGOSTINO: one more spot worth visiting in the Sassi is the lookout from the Convent of Saint Agostino. It offers the most incredible panoramic sight of Sasso Barisano with a bottom-up perspective, where the tower of Matera's Cathedral overlooks the rocky valley with its old houses at the top. Both during the day and at night, this is one of the most fascinating areas in the Sassi di Matera.
EXPLORING SASSI DI MATERA AT NIGHT
The Sassi di Matera, by day, is inspiring and magical, but by night, it becomes a fusion of mysticism and poetry. The Sassi are stunning at any time, although nights are utterly awe-inspiring and worth feeling the charming atmosphere in every corner of the town. A relaxing after-dinner walk through the streets of the Sassi can eventually end up in Piazza Duomo, with its magnificent views overlooking the old town.
The panoramic views of the Sassi di Matera stand out at dusk thanks to the soft illumination all over the stone dwellings. Lights and shadows blend, forming a unique scenery that will awaken the senses of any visitor. The silence at night, only broken by the echoing murmurs of the people spending time al fresco on the rooftops and courtyards of the ancient constructions, creates a particular moody ambiance shrouding the entire town.
SASSI DI MATERA: A STORY OF DECAY AND FLOURISHING
The history behind the Sassi di Matera is as remarkable as its location and aesthetics. The Sassi, as known today, emerged only a few decades ago despite being among the first human settlements in Italy and, probably, in the world. The earliest records go back to prehistoric times. Some evidence shows that people lived in the Sassi since 7000 BCE.
In the 1950s, the Sassi districts in Matera were considered an area of severe poverty in Italy. Its inhabitants lived in harsh and unhealthy conditions, which caused the forced relocation of the population to newer and more developed parts of the city. For decades, the Sassi remained uninhabited and became a national disgrace. It wasn't until the 1980s that the government allowed the start of the restoration process of the Sassi di Matera.
Since then, it kicked off the flourishing period of Matera, and the Sassi regained its former glory. In 1993, it became a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. And in 2019, Matera was appointed the European Capital of Culture. Nowadays, the Sassi area is inhabited again by some locals. Many thriving hotels and regional restaurants have also settled lately to encourage travelers from near and far to visit and discover all the precious treasures of Matera.
Besides the Sassi, Matera has much more to offer. Outside the ancient town, the lively Matera city is worth a stroll to uncover all its beauty. Basilicata is also known for being the door to the famous Puglia region. This rich land allows unlimited options to continue exploring Southern Italy.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY: SENSORY TRAVEL
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