The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Comune di Matera (only in Italian)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1993
Size of heritage: 1,016 ha
- Buffer zone: 4,365 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 16,610°
Latitude: 40,666°

Summary

This is the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem. The first inhabited zone dates from the Palaeolithic, while later settlements illustrate a number of significant stages in human history. Matera is in the southern region of Basilicata.

Location on Map

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The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, located in the City and Province of Matera, in the Region of Basilicata, Italy, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases a unique and ancient settlement. This site is renowned for its exceptional urban and architectural characteristics, as well as its historical and cultural significance.

History

The history of Matera dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation in the area since the Paleolithic era. The Sassi, which means "stones" in Italian, refers to the ancient cave dwellings that were carved into the soft tufa rock of the region. These dwellings were inhabited continuously from prehistoric times until the 1950s.

Over the centuries, the Sassi developed into a complex network of houses, churches, and monasteries, creating a unique urban landscape. The inhabitants of Matera lived in these cave dwellings, known as "sassi," due to their ability to provide shelter and protection from the elements.

However, by the mid-20th century, the living conditions in the Sassi had deteriorated significantly, leading to widespread poverty and unsanitary conditions. In the 1950s, the Italian government declared the Sassi uninhabitable and forcibly relocated the residents to modern housing. This marked a turning point in the history of Matera and the preservation of its unique heritage.

Current State

Today, the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera have undergone extensive restoration and revitalization efforts. The site has been transformed into a living museum, showcasing the historical and cultural significance of the area.

The Sassi is divided into two districts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Sasso Caveoso is characterized by its cave dwellings, narrow streets, and ancient churches. Sasso Barisano, on the other hand, features a mix of cave dwellings and more modern buildings.

The Rupestrian Churches of Matera, located within the Park, are a collection of ancient churches and monasteries carved into the rock. These churches, adorned with frescoes and religious artifacts, provide a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the region.

The restoration efforts have not only preserved the architectural and historical value of the Sassi but have also revitalized the area. Today, the Sassi is a vibrant and thriving neighborhood, with many of the cave dwellings transformed into boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Address
Distance: 0,1 mi
Via San Giacomo 27
75100 Matera
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:30
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Pasquetta 2015 a Matera: turisti contenti

Published: April 07, 2015
Length: 59:48 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: ilmiotg

Matera 06 aprile 2015 - Commenti positivi da parte dei turisti che a Pasqua e Pasquetta hanno preso d'assalto la città dei Sassi. Matera, che lo scorso ottobre ha ricevuto la nomina a Capitale...

Matera 2019 La proclamazione

Published: October 17, 2014
Length: 55:05 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: ilmiotg

Matera 17 Ottobre h 17.48 L'annuncio della designazione di Matera a Capitale europea della Cultura 2019 ha fatto esplodere la festa in piazza San Giovanni.

Locanda di San Martino, Sassi di Matera - Thermae e piscina

Published: September 20, 2013
Length: 25:26 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: locanda matera

Si resta semplicemente estasiati, senza parole quando si raggiungono le Thermae della Locanda di San Martino nei Sassi di Matera. La piscina ricavata scavando la roccia è il fiore all'occhiello...

Matera

Published: April 28, 2013
Length: 35:08 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Piero Dalmonte

Matera è nota in tutto il mondo per gli storici rioni Sassi, riconosciuti nel 1993 Patrimonio dell'umanità dall'UNESCO. Arriviamo a Matera e ci affidiamo ad una graziosa guida che ci accompagne...

Matera Capitale della Cultura 2019 - Piazza Vittorio Veneto - SkyVideo.it

Published: October 29, 2014
Length: 34:43 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Christian Donnoli

Ripresa aerea di Piazza Vittorio Veneto - Matera Capitale della Cultura 2019. Riprese effettuate con un Dji Phantom 2 + Zenmuse H3-3D + Gopro Hero 3+ Black Edition Guarda Piazza Vittorio Veneto...

Palazzo Viceconte dimora storica Matera Sassi albergo matrimoni hotel congressi meetings eventi gala

Published: April 25, 2011
Length: 49:04 min
Rating: 2 of 5
Author: PalazzoViceconte

Antico palazzo nobiliare ( XVI -- XVIII sec.) situato nella parte piu' antica della citta' di Matera con vista mozzafiato sui Sassi ,sulla Gravina e sulla murgia circostante.(Il Palazzo) ...

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