Plizio Visual Lab
Matera Sassi
The Sassi di Matera are ancient cave dwellings in the Basilicata region, representing one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Carved directly into the calcarenite rock of a steep ravine, the Sassi consist of two main districts: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Over thousands of years, inhabitants developed an intricate system of cisterns and water channels to manage limited water resources in the arid climate. In the 1950s, the area was dubbed the 'shame of Italy' due to the extreme poverty and poor sanitary conditions in the caves, leading to the forced relocation of its residents. However, following extensive restoration efforts, the Sassi were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, the first in southern Italy. Matera's remarkable transformation culminated in its selection as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. The city's timeless, biblical appearance has made it a preferred filming location for major international movies, including 'The Passion of the Christ.' Today, the Sassi are a spirited cultural hub, with many former caves repurposed into unique hotels, restaurants, and galleries while preserving their historical integrity.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Belvedere Raffaele Giura Longo · Chiesa di San Francesco d'Assisi · Durante Arte
- Nearby: Castellaneta Marina (35 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 20 | 16 | 11 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 59 | 65 | 51 | 43 | 35 | 38 | 36 | 58 | 77 | 89 | 72 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The Sassi di Matera was the first site in southern Italy to receive UNESCO status in 1993.
- Human settlement in the Matera area dates back to the Paleolithic era, about 9,000 years ago.
- There are approximately 150 rupestrian (rock-cut) churches located within and around the city.
- The Palombaro Lungo is a massive underground cistern that can hold up to 5 million liters of water.
- Matera served as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2019.
- The forced evacuation of the Sassi residents began in 1952 due to a government health mandate.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Matera Sassi (10)
Sassi di Matera
Historic cave settlement in Matera, Basilicata, Italy.
TAM - Tower Art Museum🏛 museum
Art museum in a tower in Matera.
Cattedrale della Madonna della Bruna e di Sant'Eustachio
Cathedral in Matera, Basilicata, Italy.
Palazzo dell'Arcivescovado🏛 museum
Archbishop's palace in Matera.
Fontana dell'amore
Fountain in Matera.
Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina🏛 museum
Ethno-anthropological museum in the Sassi, founded by Donato Cascione.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the Sassi?
How long do you need for Matera?
Is Matera hard to walk?
When is the best time to visit?
Can you drive into the Sassi?
Matera Sassi: where is it located?
Matera Sassi: what is there to see?
Matera Sassi: when is the best time to visit?
Matera Sassi: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
More places
