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Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana: A Timeless Landscape

Explore ancient cave dwellings, rock churches, and breathtaking landscapes in this UNESCO-listed park near Matera, Basilicata.

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The Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana, a protected natural reserve in Basilicata, Italy, offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Characterized by its unique rock formations, cave churches, and prehistoric settlements, the park provides breathtaking views of the Sassi di Matera and a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

A brief summary to Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the park's trails, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Visit the Murgia Timone Belvedere for panoramic views of the Sassi di Matera, especially stunning at sunset.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn about the park's history, archaeology, and natural features.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities within the park are limited.
  • Download a map of the park's trails to help navigate the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sassi di Matera, reach the park by walking across the valley. The most direct route starts near the Piazza San Pietro Barisano. Follow the marked trails leading towards the Murgia Timone Belvedere, a popular viewpoint. The walk takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and chosen route. Be prepared for some uphill sections and uneven terrain.

  • Public Transport

    From Matera city center, take a local bus towards the Parco della Murgia Materana. Miccolis operates bus lines in Matera, including services that connect the city center with the park. Check the bus schedules for the 'Sassi Line' or buses heading towards Murgia Timone. A single ticket costs around €1.50 if purchased on board. Alight at the Murgia Timone visitor center to start exploring the park.

  • Taxi

    From Matera city center, a taxi ride to Parco della Murgia Materana, specifically the Murgia Timone area, takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Taxi services are available in Matera, with taxi stands in Piazza Matteotti. Expect to pay around €20-€30 for the trip. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

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Discover more about Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana

Established in 1990, the Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana, also known as the Natural Historic Archaeological Park of the Rock Churches of the Matera region, spans over 6,000 hectares and is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Sassi di Matera. This park protects a remarkable landscape that showcases the enduring relationship between humans and nature in southern Italy. The park's geological features are defined by a soft limestone rock, which has been shaped over time into cliffs, gorges, and caves. These natural formations have provided shelter and resources for human settlements since prehistoric times, as evidenced by Paleolithic caves and Neolithic villages within the park. Shepherds and herdsmen have also left their mark on the land, with farmhouses, sheep enclosures, cisterns and wells dotting the landscape. One of the park's most distinctive features is its rupestrian churches, with over 150 of these rock-cut sanctuaries scattered throughout the area. These churches, dating back to the early Middle Ages, showcase a range of architectural styles and Byzantine frescoes, reflecting the influence of monastic communities. Exploring the park's trails offers visitors a chance to discover this rich cultural heritage and experience the stunning natural beauty of the Murgia Materana. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including the kestrel, which nests in the Sassi and hunts in the park.

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