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Casa Grotta nei Sassi: A Window into Matera's Past

Step back in time and experience the unique troglodyte lifestyle of Matera's Sassi inhabitants at Casa Grotta.

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The Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of residents who once dwelled in the Sassi's cave dwellings. This carefully preserved cave home showcases the architecture, furnishings, and tools used by families living in these unique spaces until the mid-20th century.

A brief summary to Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera

  • Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Allow about 20 minutes for your visit to fully appreciate the displays.
  • Combine your visit with a guided tour of the Sassi di Matera for a comprehensive understanding of the area's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Casa Grotta is located in the Sasso Caveoso, one of Matera's two main Sassi districts. From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square, walk down Via Ridola towards the Sassi. Continue onto Via Bruno Buozzi, which leads directly into Sasso Caveoso. Vico Solitario, where Casa Grotta is located, is a small side street off Via Bruno Buozzi. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes and involves some slopes and stairs.

  • Public Transport

    From Matera Centrale train station or Via Don Luigi Sturzo bus station, take the Sassi Line bus. This line is specifically designed to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site. Get off at the stop closest to Sasso Caveoso and follow the walking directions above to Vico Solitario. A single bus ticket costs €1.50 if purchased on board or €0.80 - €1.00 if purchased in advance at a tabaccheria.

  • Parking

    If driving, be aware that the Sassi districts have restricted traffic zones. Consider parking in one of the paid parking areas outside the ZTL, such as Via Lucana or Piazza Cesare Firrao. From there, walk to Casa Grotta following the walking directions. Parking costs range from €0.70 to €1.00 per hour. Some parking garages offer daily rates.

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Discover more about Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera

Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera provides an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time to understand the lives of those who inhabited Matera's Sassi districts. This traditional cave dwelling, located in the Sasso Caveoso, illustrates how families lived in these rock-cut homes until 1956. Inside, the Casa Grotta displays authentic furnishings and tools, offering a glimpse into the daily routines of peasant life. See the kitchen with its hearth, the bedroom with a high bed to avoid dampness, and the communal spaces where families gathered. The displays include a loom, a brazier, and the 'tianello,' a typical terracotta dish from which everyone ate. Visitors can explore the small window that ventilates the space and the stable area for animals. The site provides multilingual audio explanations to enhance the experience. The Casa Grotta is more than just a museum; it's a cultural mediator, sharing the stories and memories of those who once called the Sassi home.

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