Villaggio neolitico, Matera Travel Guide

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Discover the ancient roots of Matera at this Neolithic village, where Italy's first farmers left their mark on the Murgia plateau.

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Villaggio neolitico

Explore the remains of a Neolithic village near Matera, dating back thousands of years. See evidence of early farming settlements, complete with defensive structures and remnants of daily life, offering a glimpse into the lives of Italy's first agricultural communities.

A brief summary to Villaggio neolitico

Matera, Province of Matera, 75100, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Villaggio neolitico.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as there are limited facilities on site.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Jazzo Gattini visitor center for more information about the Murgia National Park.

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Explore Villaggio neolitico on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Villaggio neolitico, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Centro Visite Jazzo Gattini, walk towards the camper area of Masseria Radogna. Turn left and then left again, following the signs for the Neolithic Village. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes on relatively flat terrain.
Public Transport

Take the Linea Sassi bus from Matera city center to the Parco della Murgia Materana. From the bus stop, follow the signs towards the Centro Visite Jazzo Gattini and then proceed on foot as described in the 'Walking' guidance. A single ticket costs €0.8.
Taxi

A taxi from Matera city center to the Centro Visite Jazzo Gattini will cost approximately €10-15. From there, follow the 'Walking' guidance to reach the Neolithic Village.

Discover more about Villaggio neolitico

The Villaggio Neolitico, or Neolithic Village, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of some of Italy's earliest inhabitants, dating back to between 7000 and 3700 years ago. Located on the Murgia plateau near Matera, this site represents one of the first stable human settlements in the area. These early farming communities chose this location for its fertile land, grazing areas, and woodlands.The village is fortified by a unique, figure-eight-shaped ditch carved into the calcarenite rock. This defensive structure divided the village into two sections: a smaller, round eastern section and a larger, oval western section. Within the ditch, archeologists have discovered numerous artifacts, including ceramics with geometric designs, tools made of flint and obsidian, and bone spatulas. These findings provide valuable insights into the daily lives and skills of the Neolithic people who lived here.Today, much of the ditch is filled with debris accumulated over millennia, but sections exposed during archaeological digs in the 20th century reveal its original form. Visitors can still see traces of post holes that once supported huts and larger holes used for food storage and burials. The site offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to imagine the lives of these early agricultural pioneers and appreciate their ingenuity and resilience.