The World Heritage Site “Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera” is located in the town of Matera in southern Italy. The churches and dwellings carved out of limestone rock are characterized by their layered structure, with one stacked upon another. As you stroll through the city of many stairways and slopes, you will notice how the ceiling of one dwelling becomes the floor of another above it.
Although Matera is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with history dating back to the Paleolithic era, it was regarded as a symbol of poverty in southern Italy and largely neglected until it was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
Since its registration, interest in its unique landscape has grown, and the number of tourists visiting Matera has surged. It is now often included in Italian tours, attracting more visitors.
At restaurants built inside cave dwellings, you can enjoy delicious meals and wine while admiring the Sassi townscape. Staying overnight in this World Heritage Site will surely be a precious and unforgettable experience.
What are the Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera?
Matera is a town located in the large Gravina Gorge, created by the erosion of limestone. It developed with the spread of cave dwellings called “Sassi,” carved out of the rock. People have continued to live here since the Paleolithic era.
The rock-hewn churches, which have also been registered as a World Heritage Site, were built using advanced excavation techniques brought by Benedictine and other Christian monks from Cappadocia and Anatolia in the early 7th century. Today, Matera still preserves about 150 rock-hewn churches, as well as some 3,000 cave dwellings and an underground water system that once supplied drinking water, all of which are historically significant.
Name: Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera
Address: 75100 Matera MT, Italy
Official/Related Website URL: http://visitaly.jp/unesco/i-sassi-di-matera
Access to the Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera
The recommended way to reach Matera is by taking the private “Ferrovie Appulo Lucane” railway from Bari. Bari is the hub of southern Italy’s main transport routes. To get to Bari, it takes about 3 hours by bus from Naples, about 1 hour by plane from Rome, and about 1.5 hours by plane from Milan.
From Bari Centrale Station to Matera Centrale Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Depending on the train, you may need to transfer at Altamura Station, so take note. Also, since this private railway runs only on weekdays, it is best to plan your visit on a weekday. On Sundays and public holidays, buses are the alternative.
Highlights of the Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera①: Rock-hewn Churches
The rock-hewn churches, an essential part of the World Heritage Site “Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera,” are the main attractions you cannot miss. Many churches remain, but the most famous are San Pietro Caveoso Church, Santa Maria de Idris Church, and Santa Lucia alle Malve Church.
San Pietro Caveoso Church is notable for its tall tower that rises like a symbolic monument of Matera’s World Heritage. Santa Maria de Idris Church is recognizable by its thin cross standing atop the rock, and among the three, it is the one that retains the most natural rock formation. Santa Lucia alle Malve Church is distinguished by the many frescoes still preserved inside.
Highlights of the Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera②: The Sassi View Street
Matera is a city carved out of the cliffside rocks, spreading like a hillside with San Pietro Caveoso Church at its peak. It is registered as the World Heritage Site “Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera,” and there are many spots from which you can enjoy the view.
The Sassi View Street (Via Madonna delle Virtù) lies between the two areas of cave dwellings: the Barisano District and the Caveoso District. Located in the lower part of Matera, this street offers upward views of the cave dwellings of the World Heritage Site.
If you stay overnight in Matera, you can enjoy the night views of the World Heritage Site. While the scenery may look somewhat melancholic in daylight, at night the cave dwellings light up with signs of life, creating a breathtaking view that fills you with joy.
Things to know before visiting the Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera
Matera is said to be relatively safe compared to other cities in southern Italy, but basic caution is always necessary abroad.
Many southern Italian cities have safety concerns—Naples in particular is notorious for pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and minor assaults, so it is better to be overly cautious. Naples Centrale Station is especially known for such crimes, so avoid walking while reading guidebooks or looking at your smartphone, and refrain from wearing expensive items.
◎ Summary
We have introduced the World Heritage Site “Cave Dwellings and Rock-hewn Churches of Matera.” In Matera, you will encounter sights you cannot find anywhere else. Be sure to make time to visit.
The town of Alberobello, famous for its World Heritage “Trulli of Alberobello,” and Castel del Monte on the outskirts of Andria are just over an hour’s drive from Matera. Around Naples, there are also five World Heritage Sites including the “Amalfi Coast.” Touring the scattered World Heritage Sites across southern Italy would make for a wonderful trip!