Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches

Closeup model of the Sassi di Matera - meaning stones of Matera which are prehistoric cave dwellings in the Italian city of Matera, Basilicata. It is one of the first or eldest settlements of Italy.

sassi the historic center of the city Matera in Italy UNESCO European Capital of Culture 2019, details of old stairs

This is the european capital of colture 2019! #matera #bestof5 #troveon #Trovember #history

The Sassi originate from a prehistoric troglodyte settlement and are suspected to be among the first human settlements in Italy. There is evidence that people were living here as early as the year 7000 BC.[2]

The Sassi are houses dug into the calcarenitic rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Apulia, locally called "tufo" although it is not volcanic tuff or tufa. Many of these dwellings are really only caverns, and the streets in some parts of the Sassi often run on top of other houses. The ancient town grew up on one slope of the ravine created by a river that is now a small stream. The ravine is known locally as "la Gravina".

In the 1950s, the government of Italy forcefully relocated most of the population of the Sassi to areas of the developing modern city. Riddled with malaria, the unhealthy living conditions were considered an affront to the new Italian Republic of Alcide De Gasperi.[3] However, people continued to live in the Sassi, and according to the English Fodor's guide[when?]:

Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago.

Until the late 1980s this was considered an area of poverty, since many of these houses were, and in some cases still are, uninhabitable. Current local administration, however, has become more tourism-oriented, and it has promoted the regeneration of the Sassi with the aid of the European Union, the government, UNESCO, and Hollywood. Today there are many thriving businesses, pubs, and hotels there, as described in a May 2015 New Yorker magazine article.

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Activities

Matera travel guide

Tours & day trips

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From Bari : Unesco Tour - Guided Tour of Matera and Alberobello

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Bike tour to the lake - self guided for families

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Guided Sassi di Matera Tour with Live Traditional Music Experience

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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Tour with Guide in the Sassi of Matera aboard a Van

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

Cathedral of Matera

You can learn about the history of Sasso Caveoso with a visit to Cathedral of Matera. Visit the spas and churches in this romantic area.

Casa Noha

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Casa Noha during your trip to Sasso Caveoso. Visit the area's cathedral or simply enjoy its cafes.

Museo della Scultura Contemporanea

You can browse the exhibits at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Sasso Caveoso. Visit the spas in this romantic area or simply enjoy its local cheese shops.

Piazza San Pietro Caveoso

Learn about the local history of Sasso Caveoso with a stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. Visit the spas and churches in this romantic area.

Casa Grotta 'Once Upon a Time...'

You can learn about the history of Sasso Barisano with a stop at Casa Grotta 'Once Upon a Time...'. Visit the spas in this trendy area or simply enjoy its local cheese shops.

Church of San Pietro Caveoso

After visiting Church of San Pietro Caveoso, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Sasso Caveoso. Visit the spas and churches in this trendy area.

Top Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches Hotel Deals

Check prices on hotels near Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Via Civita 28 Matera MT

Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae

Via Fiorentini 71 Matera MT

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA

Via Conche Matera MT

Cenobio Hotel & SPA Matera

Via Civita Matera MT

Hotel San Domenico al Piano

Via Roma, 15 Matera MT

Pianelle Resort

Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso, Rione Pianelle Matera MT

Caveoso Hotel

Rione Pianelle, 26 Matera MT

Corte San Pietro

Via Bruno Buozzi 97b Matera MT

Eurostars Matera LaSuite

137 Via Lucana Matera MT

See all 495 properties in Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches

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