Matera Città dei Sassi
Discover Matera: The “City of Sassi” and the Magic of the European Capital of Culture
Matera, also known as the “City of Sassi” and the “Underground City,” is a captivating Italian town with 60,505 inhabitants. It serves as the capital of its province and ranks as the second-largest municipality in Basilicata by area, and the nineteenth in Italy. The Sassi di Matera, its iconic ancient districts, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
On 17 October 2014, Matera was recognised as European Capital of Culture 2019, the first city in southern Italy to receive this title. In 2002, Mel Gibson's film ‘The Passion of the Christ’ was also filmed. Set in the breathtaking landscape of the Sassi of Matera and the Gravina, the film recounts the last twelve hours of Jesus, from the Garden of Olives to the resurrection with flashbacks to his past life. Numerous films and television series have been filmed in this location.
Matera’s historic center is its most defining feature. The Sassi districts, carved and built into the edges of the Gravina di Matera canyon, consist of two main sections: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, separated by the rocky spur of Civita. This unique position kept the city hidden from enemies for centuries, allowing it to remain relatively untouched through time.
What to See in Matera
What makes a visit to Matera a truly unique experience is the opportunity to get lost in the characteristic, history-filled alleys of this stunning city in Basilicata. However, there are some attractions you simply cannot miss, such as: rock-hewn churches, panoramic viewpoints, museums, and more.
-Belvedere Murgia Timone: A popular panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking sunset views of the Sassi.
–-Sasso Barisano: The more touristic district, featuring cave homes, rock churches, and artisan shops.
–Sasso Caveoso: A more authentic, less restored area, ideal for immersing yourself in ancient history.
–Casa Grotta: A cave house furnished to depict daily life in the Sassi centuries ago.
–Cattedrale di Matera: A stunning Romanesque-Pugliese cathedral perched at the city’s highest point, with panoramic views of the Sassi.
-Parco della Murgia Materana: : A natural park with trails leading to frescoed rock churches and breathtaking landscapes. Perfect for nature lovers.
-Santa Maria de Idris: A rock-hewn church adorned with ancient frescoes.
-San Pietro Barisano: The largest of the rock churches, featuring an intricate underground system.
-Cripta del Peccato Originale: Known as the “Sistine Chapel of Rock Art” for its extraordinary frescoes.
-Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna della Basilicata (Palazzo Lanfranchi): : Showcasing works ranging from medieval art to contemporary pieces, including paintings by Carlo Levi.
-Piazza Vittorio Veneto: : A central square granting access to the underground Palombaro Lungo, a fascinating rock-carved water cistern.
-Palombaro Lungo: A massive underground cistern reflecting the city’s ingenious water management system.
Matera’s Gastronomy
Matera’s cuisine reflects a strong connection to nearby Puglia while maintaining its unique identity. Dishes like orecchiette with turnip tops or breadcrumb pasta are local staples.
owever, Matera’s culinary symbol is the Pane di Matera, a celebrated bread made from durum wheat flour and baked in communal ovens. Local delicacies also include pecorino and caciocavallo cheeses, cured meats, wild greens, and DOC wines like Matera Primitivo.
The region’s gastronomy varies between the pastoral flavors of the Murge and the seafood-inspired dishes of the Metapontino. From figs drizzled with honey to seasonal desserts like pach’nisch, every dish tells a story of the land.
‘La Pettolata’ and The Christmas Tradition'
La festività natalizia, oltre ai connotati religiosi, ha le sue radici in una tradizione vasta che va dalla cultura musicale a quella gastronomica.
. Starting from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, households prepare a variety of typical dishes, with the most iconic being pettole—small balls of dough fried in olive oil, a recipe passed down through generations.
Flour, water, salt and yeast are the ingredients of a carefully prepared dough, according to an ancient ritual.
After the initial preparation, the dough balls are dipped into boiling extra virgin olive oil to fry and then evenly browned. The delicious pettole, on this festivity, will be accompanied by good local wine and animated by various shows.
Christmas Among the Sassi
During the holiday season, Matera transforms into a gigantic living nativity scene. The Presepe Vivente nei Sassi(Living Nativity in the Sassi) is one of the city’s most anticipated Christmas events, offering visitors an immersive experience in the heart of Sasso Caveoso at the Mu.D.E.A. (Ethno-Anthropological Museum). Over 250 participants, including actors and historical reenactors, bring ancient trades and biblical stories to life against the enchanting backdrop of Matera’s stone landscape. The event is inclusive, with dedicated days and times for children and individuals with disabilities to fully enjoy the experience.
Matera also hosts charming Christmas markets in its historic center, where visitors can find local crafts and gastronomic specialties like peperoni cruschi and Pane di Matera. The city comes alive with concerts, traditional dinners, and religious events held in its rock churches and cathedral, creating an atmosphere of magic and spirituality that is truly unforgettable.
