Cisterne e Pozzi: Matera's Ancient Water Collection System
Uncover Matera's hidden depths: Explore the ancient cisterns and wells that sustained this remarkable city for centuries.
Explore the ingenious network of cisterns and wells beneath Matera, a testament to the city's resourcefulness in water management. These historic sites offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Matera's inhabitants and the innovative engineering that sustained them for centuries.
A brief summary to Cisterne e Pozzi
- MJ78+C5, Matera, Province of Matera, IT
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the cisterns often involves walking on uneven surfaces and descending steps.
- Check for guided tours to gain deeper insights into the history and engineering of the water collection systems.
- Bring a flashlight to better appreciate the darker corners and details within the cisterns.
- Consider visiting during the off-season for a less crowded and more immersive experience.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the Sassi to understand how the water systems were integrated into the city's overall design.
Getting There
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Walking
Cisterne e Pozzi is located in the Sassi area of Matera. From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, walk down Via Ridola towards the Sassi. Continue onto Via Bruno Buozzi. The attraction will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. There are no costs involved.
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Public Transport
From Matera Centrale train station, take the Linea Sassi bus. This bus will take you closer to the Sassi area. Get off at the closest stop to Via Bruno Buozzi and walk for approximately 5 minutes to Cisterne e Pozzi. A single ticket costs €1.50 if purchased on board, or €0.80 if purchased in advance at authorized retailers.
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Parking
If driving, parking near the Sassi can be challenging due to ZTL restrictions. Consider parking in the Via Vena parking lot, a multi-story monitored parking lot that can accommodate up to 340 cars, and walking approximately 7 minutes to the site. The hourly rate is €1.00. Alternatively, free parking may be available in the area between Via Padre Minozzi, Via Vena, Via Chiancalata, Via Castello, or the internal streets of the Lanera district.
Discover more about Cisterne e Pozzi
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