MATERA & THE SASSI

Mel Gibson chose Matera as the setting for his film ‘The Passion of the Christ’ describing it as “Simply perfect” and it has been the setting for many more films. The village itself is perched on a rock, embedded in a stark lunar landscape and it has a definite untouched feel, giving you a sense of stepping back in time.

The most famous parts of Matera are the Sassi districts, now designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here you can see hundreds of troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. Explore the complex network of streets, stairways, archways and terraces on foot to experience the best of the city. The cave dwellings were lived in until the 1950’s and are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean.

The Civita district, which is the oldest and highest group of buildings, dominates and divides the two Sassi districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. The Sassi districts are now undergoing stylish renovations; including the elegant 5* Palazzo Gattini Hotel situated on the spur which divides the two districts.

In the newer district, the Cathedral dominates Matera from high up and has been the main social and religious reference point of the Sassi and the entire town for many years. It is worth visiting the Cathedral, and the stunning 13th Century Byzantine fresco.

The Museo della Scultura Contempranea (MUSMA), a recently refurbished museum of sculptures, contains various exhibits that are complemented by the atmospherically lit caves and should be included on your visit to Matera. Another museum worth a visit is the Domenico Ridola National Archealogical Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale). Across the city you will find plenty of places for great value traditional meals for lunch and dinner, and you should allow yourself at least one full day to explore Matera, the city of the Sassi.

THINGS TO DO AROUND MATERA

Close to Matera

Around 14km from the city you’ll find the impressive ‘Parco Arceologico Storico Naturale della Murgia e della Chiese Rupestri del Materano’, or Natural History Park of the Matera Cave Churches – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is essentially a park of rock churches containing over 150 churches and settlements. Within the park is the spectacular Cripta del Peccato Originale – the Crypt of Original Sin (also known as the cave of a hundred saints), with its splendid 9th century frescos showing scenes from the story of Genesis. Bookings are essential, and you can book through MUSMA in Matera itself. A guided tour is recommended, although you can also hike though the park.

The ‘Ghost Town’ of Craco

If you are travelling between Matera and the Pollino National Park; make Craco a stop on your itinerary. Not accessible unless you have a car, the town is on a hill that has suffered from landslides and is crumbling away. The old centre is uninhabited; and around the town impressive ravines can be admired. It is not permitted to walk through the ruins but the view of the town on approach is quite spectacular. It is possible to walk up to the Castle's tower at the summit and admire the amazing panorama.

Montescaglioso

Situated east of Matera, Montescaglioso is a beautiful ancient hill top town with views over the Bradano Valley, the Matera Gravina and the Ionian sea. You can explore the rich historical centre and view the main monument, the Bendictine Abbey of Sant’Angelo. By exploring the town on foot you will come across many more churches and historical monuments. If you are in the area during Easter time, don’t miss the vibrant and colourful processions, they will give you a real taste of Italy.

Irsina

Irsina is another spectacular town, unspoilt by tourism, and providing the opportunity to experience the real Italian life style. Built on the Bradano river on the border between the regions of Basilicata and Puglia, the town boasts an important 13th Century cathedral which was partly rebuilt at the end of the 18th Century, and the remains of a Norman castle which have since been incorporated into the crypt of the former monastery of San Francesco. Outside the city walls lie the "Bottini", long underground channels that used to supply the city with water by means of a sophisticated hydraulic system.

Tursi

Tursi is in the east of Basilicata, and is known for being the birthplace of poet Albino Pierro. The Rabatana quarter is the oldest part of the village and exploring the maze of alley-ways, houses and buildings on the steep slopes that lead to the main town below will take you back in time. Many pilgrims visit the shrine of the Madonna di Angelona every year, one of the most important churches in the region.