Background

Laboratory Museum of Rural Life: A Journey into Matera's Past

Discover Matera's rural past at this captivating museum, showcasing traditional crafts, tools, and the daily lives of peasant communities.

4.8

The Laboratory Museum of Rural Life in Matera offers a captivating glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage and traditions. Housed in a restored 16th-century building, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, from farming tools to household items, illustrating the daily lives of rural communities. It's a heartfelt tribute to the past, providing an enriching experience for those seeking to understand Matera's cultural roots.

A brief summary to Laboratory Museum of Rural Life

  • Monday 9 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-1 pm
  • Friday 9 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's schedule for workshops and demonstrations to enhance your visit.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
  • Explore the surrounding areas of Matera after your museum visit; the Sassi is a must-see.
  • Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to capture the stunning artifacts and exhibits.
  • Plan your visit around opening hours, as the museum operates with specific timings, especially on weekends.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Matera, head to Piazza Vittorio Veneto. From the square, walk southeast towards Via Roma, a main street. Continue on Via Roma until you reach Via San Giovanni Vecchio. Turn left onto Via San Giovanni Vecchio and walk straight for about 600 meters. The Laboratory Museum of Rural Life will be on your right at Via S. Giovanni Vecchio, 60.

  • Public Transport

    Matera is accessible by bus from Bari. From the bus terminal in Matera (Viale Aldo Moro or Via Don Luigi Sturzo), you can take a local bus or walk to the museum. A single bus ticket costs €0.8. A ticket valid for 180 minutes costs €1.00. Tickets can be purchased at bars, tobacconists, and affiliated merchants. Buying a ticket on board costs €1.50.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking options are available in Matera. Piazza Bianco offers free parking for up to 2 hours with a parking disc, located about 200 meters from Piazza della Visitazione. Via Saragat Parking is a large covered parking area near Parco Comunale Macamarda. Autoservizi Damasco Parking is a private, covered, monitored, and paid parking lot near Piazza Vittorio Veneto; call for ZTL authorization. Public paid parking in Via Lucana, Piazza Cesare Firrao, and Via Casalnuovo costs €1 per hour, with a daily fee of €10.

Unlock the Best of Laboratory Museum of Rural Life

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Laboratory Museum of Rural Life

Step back in time at the Laboratory Museum of Rural Life, a captivating ethnological museum nestled in Matera's ancient Sassi district. Founded by Donato Cascione and managed by the homonymous cultural association, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditions and daily life of Matera's rural past. The museum is housed within a network of interconnected cave dwellings and a 16th-century structure called a 'lamione,' which historically served as an extension of a cave house, providing shelter for families and their animals. The museum spans 500 square meters and is the largest of its kind in Southern Italy. Inside, visitors can explore recreated artisan workshops, offering insight into the trades that thrived in Matera's old quarters, including sieve makers, tanners, shepherds, and blacksmiths. The exhibition displays a wide array of tools and equipment related to agriculture, wheat processing, and textile production. The museum's displays aim to recreate environments as close to reality as possible, offering visitors an immersive experience of peasant life. The museum also touches on broader themes related to Southern Italy's history, such as brigandage and childhood. The museum strives to be a dynamic center for cultural development through exhibitions and educational activities.

Popular Experiences near Laboratory Museum of Rural Life

Popular Hotels near Laboratory Museum of Rural Life

Select Currency