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Casa Grotta "C’era una volta..." - A Journey into Matera's Past

Explore Matera's ancient cave dwellings at Casa Grotta "C’era una volta...", a unique museum offering an immersive glimpse into the past.

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Step back in time at Casa Grotta "C’era una volta...", a captivating museum in Matera that recreates the living conditions of families who once inhabited the city's unique cave dwellings. Explore meticulously arranged rooms filled with period furniture, tools, and artifacts, offering an authentic glimpse into Matera's rich history and cultural traditions.

A brief summary to Casa grotta “C’era una volta...”

  • Via Fiorentini, 251, Matera, Province of Matera, 75100, IT
  • Visit website
  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Allocate at least one hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and audio tour.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Sasso Barisano to experience the atmosphere of the cave dwellings.
  • Check the official website for updated opening hours and any special events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Casa Grotta "C’era una volta..." is located at Via Fiorentini, 251 in the Sasso Barisano. From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square in Matera, walk north along Via Roma. Turn right onto Via Fiorentini. The museum will be on your left after a short walk. Walking from Piazza Vittorio Veneto takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Matera Centrale Station, take a local bus (Line 1) to the historic center. The bus ride takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around €1.00. After reaching the historic center, it's a pleasant 10-minute walk to Casa Grotta 'C'era una volta...' located at Via Fiorentini, 251.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Matera. A taxi from Matera Centrale Station to Via Fiorentini will cost approximately €10-15 and take around 5-10 minutes. Taxi fares start at €3.50, with an additional €1.40 per kilometer.

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Discover more about Casa grotta “C’era una volta...”

Casa Grotta "C’era una volta..." (Once Upon a Time) offers visitors an immersive journey into Matera's past, showcasing the lives of those who dwelled in the city's distinctive cave houses. Located in the Sasso Barisano, this carefully reconstructed cave dwelling provides an authentic glimpse into domestic life in Matera up to the 1960s. The museum, created by Eustachio Rizzi and his sons, features three rooms carved into the limestone rock. The kitchen displays a small table at the center, while the stable area houses a donkey and other farm animals. The living area, serving multiple functions, contains a bunk bed, a cradle, and a space for sanitation. Visitors can explore the cave's interior, complete with period furniture, tools, and household items, offering insights into the daily routines and challenges faced by Matera's cave dwellers. The audio tour enhances the experience, providing historical context and fascinating anecdotes about life in the Sassi. The museum also features tuff sculptures that depict the life, arts, and crafts of Matera's Sassi. Casa Grotta "C’era una volta..." stands as a testament to Matera's unique heritage and the resilience of its people. It provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to appreciate the ingenuity and resourcefulness required to thrive in this remarkable environment.

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