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Ipogeo MateraSum: Unveiling Matera's Subterranean Secrets

Explore Matera's hidden depths: Discover ancient dwellings and sacred spaces beneath the city at Ipogeo MateraSum.

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Descend beneath the surface of Matera to explore Ipogeo MateraSum, an underground complex revealing the city's hidden history. This subterranean world, carved into tuff rock, features ancient dwellings, streets, cisterns, and even places of worship, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited this unique environment.

A brief summary to Ipogeo MateraSum

  • Monday 10 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-1 pm
  • Friday 10 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces within the cave system.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the temperature inside the hypogeum can be cooler than above ground.
  • Allow at least 1 hour for your visit to fully experience the exhibits and the unique atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Ipogeo MateraSum is located close to Piazza Vittorio Veneto. From the piazza, walk along Via XX Settembre towards the municipal gardens. You'll find the entrance to Ipogeo MateraSum at Recinto XX Settembre, 7, on the right-hand side. The walk is short and easy.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus at Matera Centrale station, walk diagonally from the station square along Via Don Minzoni (also Via A. Persio) to reach the heart of the town. From there, follow the walking directions to Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Ipogeo MateraSum. A single bus ticket costs €0.8, or €1.50 if purchased on board.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at Matera Centrale station and throughout the city. A taxi ride from the station to Ipogeo MateraSum will cost approximately €10.5, considering a 5km ride with a base fare of €3.5 and €1.4 per km. Ensure the taxi meter is running, or negotiate the fare in advance.

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Discover more about Ipogeo MateraSum

Ipogeo MateraSum, often referred to as Matera's underground city, is a captivating journey into the depths of Matera's past. This extensive hypogeum, located a stone's throw from the central Piazza Vittorio Veneto, extends over 1200 square meters and reaches a depth of 12 meters below street level. Once considered the edge of town when the population was clustered in the Sassi districts, it now reveals itself as a city beneath the city. Inside, you'll discover a network of environments carved into the calcarenite rock, also known as tuff, the signature stone of Matera. These spaces, created by the ingenious inhabitants of Matera, served various purposes throughout the centuries, including homes, streets, cisterns, production sites, and places of worship. The museum showcases a remarkable example of the engineering skills of the people of Matera. The history of MateraSum intertwines with that of the noble Malvezzi family of Matera, who owned the building above the hypogea. Starting in the 18th century, the family used the complex as a warehouse for goods coming from the fields. A visit to Ipogeo MateraSum provides a unique perspective on Matera's layered history, offering a fascinating look into the daily lives of those who once dwelled in this remarkable subterranean world.

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