Sassi di Matera: The Ancient Cave Dwellings of Italy

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore
  [pehr fah-voh-reh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi
  [skoo-zee]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bah-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Mezza (10)
  [meh-tsa]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-ttee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
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• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
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• 8Otto
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• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-shee-moh ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyeh-toh pehr]

The Sassi di Matera, with its cave dwellings carved into limestone, has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Archaeological evidence, including stone tools and remains, suggests that humans have lived in this area for over 9,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

During the Roman era, Matera became a significant urban center. The Sassi served as a refuge and living space for the local population, providing a strategic advantage. The infrastructure of the time, including roads and aqueducts, facilitated trade and communication with other Roman territories.

In the early Christian period, the Sassi di Matera transformed into a hub for monastic life. Numerous rock churches, such as the Santa Maria di Idris and San Pietro Caveoso, were carved into the cliffs, serving as places of worship and retreat for early Christians. This period solidified the Sassi's role as a spiritual center.

By the 19th century, the Sassi di Matera had become synonymous with poverty. The cave dwellings, often overcrowded and lacking basic sanitation, led to significant health issues. The Italian government took note of the dire conditions, leading to the 1950s 'relocation' of the population to new housing developments outside the Sassi.

In the late 20th century, a cultural renaissance began in the Sassi. In 1993, the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its unique historical and architectural significance. This designation spurred restoration efforts, transforming the Sassi into a vibrant cultural and tourist destination, celebrated for its stunning ancient architecture and rich heritage.

Sassi di Matera is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Matera. The main train station, Stazione di Matera Centrale, is about a 20-minute walk from Sassi. Alternatively, you can take a local taxi or a bus from the station to the Sassi area. If you're arriving from Bari, the nearest airport, direct buses run to Matera that take approximately 1.5 hours.

Sassi di Matera is primarily a pedestrian zone, making walking the best way to explore its winding streets and ancient cave dwellings. Public buses connect Sassi to other neighborhoods in Matera, but due to the area's compact size, many visitors prefer to walk. Bicycle rentals are available, but be aware of the steep terrain. Some guided tours may also be offered in electric vehicles for those who need assistance.

Sassi di Matera is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any popular tourist destination, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. It is advisable to stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Certain peripheral areas of Matera may have higher crime rates, particularly late at night, so it's best to avoid wandering too far from the main tourist routes.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in Italy. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Matera, and it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also present in Sassi, where you can find over-the-counter medications. Always have a list of important contacts handy, including your country's embassy or consulate.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces; don't wear high heels. Religion: Do dress modestly when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees; don't disturb worshippers or take photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do respect local customs and help those in need; don't play loud music or disturb others. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Salve'; don't be overly loud or intrusive. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine and try the traditional bread, pane di Matera; don't waste food or be disrespectful to local dining customs.

To experience Sassi di Matera like a local, visit the daily markets to sample fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage with local artisans who may offer insights into the history of the Sassi. Try to learn a few phrases in Italian, as locals appreciate efforts to communicate in their language. Don't miss the sunset from the Belvedere Montalbano for stunning views of the Sassi illuminated at dusk. Additionally, consider getting a local guide for a deeper understanding of the area’s rich history.