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MOOM: Matera Olive Oil Museum

Explore Matera's liquid gold at the Olive Oil Museum, a journey through history in a 16th-century underground mill.

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Discover the rich history of olive oil production at MOOM, the Matera Olive Oil Museum. Housed in a 16th-century hypogeum (underground chamber) in the Sasso Caveoso, the museum showcases the traditional techniques and tools used to transform olives into liquid gold, offering a fascinating glimpse into Matera's agricultural past.

A brief summary to MOOM / Matera Olive Oil Museum

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum is located in the Sassi and involves walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Check the museum's opening hours in advance, as they may vary depending on the season.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the olive oil production process.
  • Sample the local olive oil at the tasting room to experience the unique flavors of the region.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, walk northeast on Via Roma, then turn right onto Via Ridola. Continue onto Via Ascanio Persio, then turn left onto Vico I Casalnuovo. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. Walking is the easiest way to reach MOOM, as the Sassi area has limited traffic.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Sassi Line bus. Get off at the closest stop to Vico I Casalnuovo and walk the remaining distance. A single ticket costs €0.80 if purchased in advance or €1.50 if purchased on board.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Matera. A taxi from the Matera train station to MOOM will cost approximately €15-€20. Ensure the taxi has a visible meter.

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Discover more about MOOM / Matera Olive Oil Museum

The Matera Olive Oil Museum (MOOM) invites visitors on a captivating journey through the history of olive oil production in Matera. Located in the heart of the Sasso Caveoso, the museum is situated within an ancient underground olive mill dating back to the 1500s. This unique setting provides an authentic backdrop for exploring the traditions and techniques that have shaped the region's olive oil industry for centuries. Originally an olive mill, the building was transformed into a wine cellar in 1940, before being restored to its former glory. The museum showcases the various stages of olive oil production, from harvesting to pressing, using original tools and equipment. Visitors can witness the ingenuity of the past through the ancient olive press, grinding stones powered by animals, and settling wells used to separate oil from water. MOOM also highlights the lives of the 'frantoiani,' the olive mill workers who often lived and worked in the hypogeum. The museum features a tasting room where visitors can sample local olive oils and learn to distinguish high-quality extra virgin varieties. MOOM offers an immersive experience that connects visitors to the cultural and culinary heritage of Matera.

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