Matera – Basilikata – Italy
Matera is a fascinating city in the south of Italy with a rich history dating back to the Neolithic Age. Here is some information on the past and present of this remarkable city.
Location of Matera
Matera is located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. It is located on a rocky plateau called Murgia, which is characterised by deep gorges. The city literally towers over the Gravina di Matera valley, a deep, gorge-like valley that lends the landscape a particularly dramatic flavour.
- Relative to other cities: Matera is about 200 kilometres east of Naples and a good 50 kilometres southwest of Bari and northwest of Taranto.
- From Brindisi you drive about 180 km to Matera; so this year we took the opportunity to visit this city on the way home from Greece.
- Scenic features: The location on the Murgia, the karst-like nature of the rock and the deeply incised valley of the Gravina di Matera make the landscape around Matera particularly unique.
Why is this location so special?
- Historical significance: The location on the Murgia offered the first settlers protection and enabled the development of the characteristic cave settlements, the Sassi.
- Breathtaking views: From many points in Matera, you have a breathtaking view of the valley and the surrounding landscape.
- Mild climate: The location in the south of Italy ensures a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.
Summary: Matera is a city that has been shaped by its unique geographical position. The combination of the rocky plateau, the deep valley and the historic buildings make Matera a truly special place.
History of the city of Matera
Early history and antiquity
Matera is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Archaeological finds prove that the area was already inhabited in the Neolithic period. The city was officially founded in 251 BC by the Roman consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus as “Matheola”.
Medieval times
In 938, Matera was plundered and destroyed by the Saracens. Later, in 1043, the city came under Norman rule and experienced a phase of prosperity and growth. During this time, many of the famous cave settlements, the so-called “Sassi”, were further expanded and refined.
Modern times
Matera remained an important hub in southern Italy over the centuries. In the 17th century, the city was ruled by the Spanish, which led to further architectural and cultural developments.
Modernity and UNESCO World Heritage Site
In the 20th century, Matera experienced a period of decline when many residents left the Sassi and moved into modern flats. As a result, the first impression when you drive into Matera from the surrounding countryside is not a particularly cosy one. In fact, you are rather repelled by the unimaginative and purely functional architecture.
However, a revitalisation of the town began in the 1980s, culminating in 1993 when the Sassi di Matera were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition brought new investment and tourism to the city.
European Capital of Culture
Another milestone in Matera’s recent history was its designation as European Capital of Culture in 2019. This event brought international attention and numerous cultural events to the city.
Here are some highlights and important aspects of this special year:
Opening ceremony and themes
The opening ceremony took place on 19 January 2019 and marked the beginning of a year full of cultural activities. The programme was divided into five main themes:
- Past futures
- Continuity and rupture
- Reflections and connections
- Utopias and dystopias
- Roots and paths
Main exhibitions and projects
There were around 60 projects, including four main exhibitions1. A particular highlight was the exhibition “Ars Excavandi”, which dealt with the art and practice of cave construction and posed questions about the human relationship to the subterranean world.
Matera Alberga
This project included installations and site-specific works in various hotels in the city.The aim was to revive the old “vicinati” (neighbourhoods) and renew the sassi as vibrant community spaces.
Open Playful Space
Another interesting project was the “Open Playful Space”, which used games, sports and urban art to make public spaces more visible and accessible to residents.
International cooperation
The programme relied heavily on cooperation and connection, not only between art, culture and science, but also between the permanent residents and visitors of Matera and other places in the Basilicata region and beyond.
Importance and impact
The designation as European Capital of Culture helped Matera to transform itself from a “national disgrace” to a cultural jewel. The city benefited from new investment, an increase in tourism and a revitalisation of local culture and community.
Matera 2019 was a year full of cultural discoveries and connections that left a lasting mark on the city.
The Sassi of Matera
The Sassi are the centrepiece of Matera and consist of two main parts: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. These cave settlements are a unique example of human adaptability and architectural creativity. They include dwellings, churches, palaces and even underground water reservoirs.
Here are some important aspects about the Sassi:
The historic centre of Matera is located on a plateau that marks the upper limit of the Sassi of Matera. In the central square, named after Vittorio Veneto, you can see the openings that show the original height of the places that are now under the square. They form a real subterranean city connected to the Sassi. There are extraordinary rock structures here, such as the large Palombaro Lungo cistern.
Origin and history
The Sassi consist of two main parts:Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. These cave settlements date back to the Neolithic period, making them some of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.The houses are carved directly into the soft limestone known as “tufo”.
Living conditions and resettlement
Until the 1950s, around 20,000 people lived in the Sassi in extremely cramped and unsanitary conditions. In the middle of the last century, it was considered a disgrace that people in Italy were still living in caves without electricity or running water.
In fact, 15,000 people were still living in 3300 rooms in 1948 when the city was ravaged by malaria Carlo Levi’s book of memories Christ came only as far as Eboli (1944) and the film of the same name by Francesco Rosi (1978) made the catastrophic hygienic conditions world-famous. Due to the poor living conditions, the residents were relocated by the Italian government to newly built apartment blocks in the 1950s and 1960s, and the Sassi fell into disrepair.
Revival and UNESCO World Heritage Site
In the 1980s, a revival of the Sassi began, which led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This worldwide award brought new investment to the site and helped to transform the Sassi into a vibrant cultural centre.
Architecture and sights
The Sassi are known for their unique cave dwellings, which are often built on top of each other so that the streets sometimes run on the roofs of other houses. Notable sights include the rock churches, which are adorned with impressive frescoes.
An absolute must is a walk along the “lower” wall, from which you have an impressive view into the gorge and across to the opposite mountainside, where you can see other caves that have not yet been built on.
Modern use
Today, the Sassi are a popular tourist destination with numerous hotels, restaurants and cultural facilities. The city has developed into an open-air museum that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Cultural significance
The Sassi have also attracted attention in the film industry. Films such as “The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson and “No Time to Die” from the James Bond series were shot here.
The Sassi of Matera are an impressive example of man’s ability to adapt to his environment while preserving a rich cultural history.
Tipps
If you want to spend the night in one of the Sassi, you may want to consider booking the extraordinary “THYMUS Residence nei Sassi” or the “Locanda San Martino Thermae“.
The “Terrazze San Martino” is slightly cheaper. The latter two are located quite centrally above Via Fiorentini and Piaza San Giovanni, with a great view over part of the old town centre. The Thymus Residence even has a flat with a steam bath in one of the caves!
Conclusion
Matera is a city that is absolutely worth a visit, combining its ancient roots with a modern rebirth. Its history is a testament to human endurance and creativity, and its future looks promising thanks to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture.
