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
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Belvedere Murgia Timone
0.2 km
Experience stunning panoramic views of Sassi di Matera from Belvedere Murgia Timone, a must-see observation deck for every traveler.
Ponte Tibetano della Gravina
0.2 km
Discover the breathtaking Ponte Tibetano della Gravina, a stunning bridge in Matera offering panoramic views and an unforgettable experience amidst nature's beauty.
Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso
0.3 km
Discover the tranquil beauty and historical significance of Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso, a captivating church in the heart of Matera's ancient landscape.
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso,Matera,Italie
0.3 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, a scenic jewel in Matera showcasing ancient architecture and vibrant local culture.
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
0.3 km
Explore the historical charm and vibrant atmosphere of Piazza San Pietro Caveoso in Matera, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso
0.3 km
Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso, a historical square in Matera surrounded by stunning architecture and rich culture.
MateraCulturale
0.3 km
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Matera at MateraCulturale, your essential visitor center for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
0.4 km
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MUSMA - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea
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Antica Civita
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Ape Calessino Tour Matera
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Matera Culturale
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Piazza Duomo
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Piazza del Sedile
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Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
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Unmissable attractions to see
Chiesa Rupestre di Madonna delle Tre Porte
0.1 km
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Chiesa di Santa Lucia alle Malve
0.3 km
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Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera
0.3 km
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Vicinato a Pozzo - Parco della Storia dell'uomo - Museo della civiltà contadina
0.3 km
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Rione Malve
0.3 km
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Church of Saint Mary of Idris
0.3 km
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Sasso Caveoso
0.3 km
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Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo
0.3 km
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The Gathering of the Waters
0.3 km
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MOOM / Matera Olive Oil Museum
0.4 km
Explore Matera's liquid gold at the Olive Oil Museum, a journey through history in a 16th-century underground mill.
Casa Cisterna
0.4 km
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Sassi di Matera
0.4 km
Discover Matera's ancient cave dwellings: a UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut architecture, history, and stunning landscapes.
Casa Noha
0.4 km
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Palazzo Lanfranchi
0.4 km
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Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
0.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Keiv Ristorante
0.3 km
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Ristorante Francesca
0.3 km
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La Grotta Del Gusto
0.3 km
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Baccanti
0.3 km
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Pane&pomodoro
0.4 km
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Regiacorte - L’eccellenza del Territorio
0.4 km
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Trattoria del Caveoso
0.4 km
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Osteria Belvedere al Vecchio Frantoio
0.4 km
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La Lopa
0.4 km
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L'Abbondanza Lucana
0.4 km
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Ristorante Soul Kitchen - Cucina per l' Anima
0.4 km
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Le Bubbole
0.5 km
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Dimora Ulmo ristorante
0.5 km
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Ristorante Pizzeria Van Gogh
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Taverna La Focagna
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Il Bottegaccio di Daddiego Mario
0.3 km
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La Grotta Della Petrarola - Prodotti Tipici Lucani - Degustazioni - Panificio
0.3 km
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Il Forno Sassi - Martino
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Arte Decorativa di Maristella Darretta
0.3 km
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GocciaGoccia
0.4 km
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Des Boutique
0.5 km
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Artempo Italia Di Nicola Di Cuia
0.5 km
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Elisa & Janna
0.5 km
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BG ARTE VISITE GUIDATE
0.5 km
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TAU - Libri e Articoli Religiosi
0.5 km
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Il Sedile Srl
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L'Antica Credenza
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Personalizzami Sas di Acito Mario & C.
0.5 km
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L'Arturo - Enogastronomia
0.6 km
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Matera gift shop
0.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
zipa cafè
0.3 km
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Terrazza StoneAge
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Enoteca Felix
0.3 km
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Osteria San Pietro
0.3 km
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La Dispensa di Aquatio
0.4 km
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AREA 8
0.4 km
Discover AREA 8 in Matera, a cocktail bar and event venue offering exceptional drinks, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Kas67 Birreria
0.5 km
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Terrazza Cavaliere
0.5 km
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1806 Cocktail bar
0.5 km
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Shibuya
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Bar Filly
0.5 km
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Monkey Drink House
0.5 km
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14th American Pub
0.5 km
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Bar Sedile
0.5 km
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L'Antica Credenza - Bistrot
0.5 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Il Quarto Storto
0.3 km
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Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort
0.3 km
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Altieri Cafè
0.4 km
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Radino Wine Bistrot & Cigar Room
0.4 km
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Enoteca dai Tosi - La Farmacia di Turno dai Tosi
0.4 km
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Conche Luxury Retreat
0.4 km
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Kestà
0.5 km
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Roger the Club
0.5 km
Discover the fusion of sushi and nightlife at Roger the Club, Matera's premier destination for exquisite dining and vibrant entertainment.
Sax Barisano di Montemurro Aldo
0.6 km
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GROOVE by Hemingway's
0.9 km
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El Tablao
1.1 km
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Bar • One - Lounge Cafè
1.4 km
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ROSETTA JAZZ CLUB
1.9 km
Discover the enchanting world of jazz at Rosetta Jazz Club in Matera, where live music and vibrant ambiance create unforgettable experiences.
Pianeta disco club
2.9 km
Pianeta Disco Club: A vibrant nightlife gem in Matera, Italy, where music meets dance and unforgettable memories are made.
Indian bikers MC Mother Matera
3.1 km
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