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Palombaro Lungo: Matera's Subterranean Reservoir

Explore Matera's hidden depths: Discover the Palombaro Lungo, an ancient underground cistern beneath the city's main square.

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The Palombaro Lungo is Matera's largest underground cistern, a vast cavern carved beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Built in the 16th century and expanded in the 19th, it once held over five million liters of water, providing a vital water reserve for the city. Today, visitors can explore this impressive feat of hydraulic engineering via suspended walkways.

A brief summary to Palombaro lungo

  • Monday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the walkways can be slippery.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary seasonally.
  • English-language tours are available at specific times; inquire upon arrival.
  • Purchase tickets at the entrance on the same day of your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Palombaro Lungo is located directly beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Matera's main square. From most points in the city center, simply walk towards the piazza. The entrance is easily identifiable.

  • Public Transport

    Matera is served by a network of buses. Several bus lines stop near Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single ticket costs €0.80 if purchased in advance or €1.50 on board.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Matera. A short taxi ride to Piazza Vittorio Veneto from the Matera Centrale train station will cost approximately €10-€15.

Unlock the Best of Palombaro lungo

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Discover more about Palombaro lungo

Venture beneath Matera's bustling Piazza Vittorio Veneto and discover the Palombaro Lungo, an extraordinary subterranean cistern that speaks volumes about the city's ingenuity in water management. Carved from the limestone rock, this immense reservoir represents a crucial chapter in Matera's history, particularly its struggle with water scarcity. Originally constructed in the 16th century, the Palombaro Lungo underwent significant expansion in the 19th century to meet the growing demands of Matera's population. Its walls are lined with 'cocciopesto,' a waterproof plaster made from terracotta, preventing water seepage. The cistern collected both rainwater and spring water, serving as a vital resource during the dry summer months. Decommissioned in the 1930s with the arrival of the Apulian Aqueduct, the Palombaro Lungo was rediscovered in 1991 during the piazza's construction. Today, it's open to the public, allowing visitors to traverse its length on suspended walkways, marveling at the scale and the echoing silence of this underground marvel. The sheer size of the Palombaro Lungo, approximately 50 meters long and 15 meters high, is awe-inspiring, offering a unique glimpse into Matera's past.

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