Cava Del Sole, Matera Travel Guide

Cava Del Sole, or the 'Sun Quarry,' is a mesmerizing location just outside Matera, rich in both history and atmosphere. The name originates from the Church of the Sun, which features a sun carved into its ceiling. This church is the last remnant of a medieval monastic settlement nestled into the rocky spur overlooking the quarry.Initially, the area was occupied by religious communities. Later, it became a quarry where expert stone cutters, known locally as "Zuqquator," extracted tuff stone. This stone was essential for building Matera's iconic Sassi districts until the 1950s. The walls of the Cava still bear the marks of these workers, with terraces and small holes used to test the rock's softness visible throughout.As Matera expanded beyond the Sassi, the quarry was abandoned. However, since the 1990s, it has undergone a functional redevelopment, transforming into an incredible venue for large events and artistic performances. Today, Cava Del Sole can accommodate up to 3,000-6,000 seats, offering unparalleled emotive experiences within its extraordinary scenery. It served as an iconic location for Matera 2019, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the European Capital of Culture year. The arena includes both outdoor and indoor spaces, including the Serra del Sole, a multipurpose greenhouse. Recent reports indicate that after being closed for over two years, Cava del Sole is set to reopen in September 2025, with technical inspections underway to ensure safety.