Matera
~ 2 hours
Easy
Max 10 people
By reservation only
Discover the third oldest city in the world!
This Matera walking tour will let you discover the caves’ city: Matera is considered one of the most ancient cities and settlements in the whole world. Also, the town is considered by many to be the third oldest city in the world after Jericho and Aleppo, with findings dating back to around 10,000 years ago.
Sasso Caveoso, Sasso Barisano and Civita
The city of Matera is divided into Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano; in the middle is the flat area called “Civita”. Crossing the numerous alleys it is possible to admire ever-changing glimpses of Matera.
Sasso Caveoso is made up of houses dug entirely into the rock which develop downwards to encourage the entry of the sun’s rays in winter and keep the summer ones out.
In Sasso Barisano the houses dug into the rock are characterized by an extension towards the outside called “lamione”.
Contrary to appearances, Civita is also very old but, having always been inhabited, it has also been modernized over the years.
The importance of rainwater collection system in Matera
In this area it is possible to see how man and nature have integrated and coexisted for millennia. The rainwater collection system demonstrates the incredible ingenuity of the people of Matera:it is a perfect example of sustainable exploitation of environmental resources. Inside almost all homes there are typical “drop” cisterns for collecting and storing water.
FILL OUT THE FORM
AND BOOK THIS EXPERIENCE!
Matera by different perspectives
Walking through these streets is like walking through history. Crossing the numerous alleys it is possible to admire ever-changing glimpses of Matera. Everywhere is a Belvedere from which you can admire a spectacular view of Matera and its Gravina river which literally splits the outside of the city with this gigantic canyon.
Absolutely not to be missed is looking out from the Giovanni Pascoli viewpoint which is located next to Palazzo Lanfranchi. In the evening with the street lamps lit the atmosphere is magical and Matera truly looks like a nativity scene.
Matera as Unesco World Heritage Site since 1993
During the poorest period of the city, between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and until the post-war period, the inhabitants were forced to live in cramped, unhealthy spaces and in very precarious hygienic and sanitary conditions. A parliamentary inquiry was conducted in 1948 by Palmiro Togliatti. Matera was defined as a shame for the Italian government and an example of the abandonment of the entire south of Italy. The actual redevelopment process of Matera began when the city was recognized as a UNESCO heritage site in 1993.
Discover the Sassi of Matera, a natural film location
During this Matera walking tour you will see several movie locations: our town has been the film set for important movies and blockbusters such as “The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson and “No time to die”, one of the James Bond’ movies saga.
important informations
Send a request, filling out the form
2 hours
Max 15 people.
- For any need, contact Crea Experience – tel.3493908382 – email info@creaexperience.it
- Finally, cancellation of the reservation is permitted free of charge and without penalty up to 15 days before the date of the tour/experience.