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Sasso Caveoso: A Journey into Matera's Ancient Soul

Explore Sasso Caveoso, Matera: a UNESCO site with ancient cave dwellings, rock churches, and a journey through millennia of history.

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Sasso Caveoso, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Matera, Italy, is a captivating district of ancient cave dwellings carved into the rocky landscape. Wander through its narrow, winding streets to experience the unique charm and atmosphere of this remarkable, millennia-old settlement.

A brief summary to Sasso Caveoso

  • 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, as you'll be walking on uneven cobblestone streets and climbing stairs.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Sasso Caveoso.
  • Explore the cave churches to discover beautiful frescoes and religious artifacts.
  • Try local specialties like pane di Matera (Matera bread) and dishes made with fava beans.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Matera's main square, walk along Via del Corso, then turn onto Via Ridola. Continue until you reach Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, the heart of Sasso Caveoso. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and offers panoramic views of the Sassi. Note that the Sassi area can only be visited on foot.

  • Public Transport

    From Matera Centrale train station, take bus line 1 or 2 to Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. The bus fare is approximately €1.50. Tickets can be purchased at bars, tobacconists, and affiliated merchants. Alternatively, purchase a ticket on board for €1.50. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to Sasso Caveoso.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Matera Centrale train station to Piazza San Pietro Caveoso typically costs between €10-€15. Taxi stands are located outside the train station. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also available. A 5km ride in Matera costs about 10.5 EUR.

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Discover more about Sasso Caveoso

Sasso Caveoso, one of the two main districts comprising the historic center of Matera, Italy, offers a breathtaking journey into the past. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, known as 'sassi,' which have been carved into the calcarenite rock over millennia. The district's name may derive from the Latin word 'cavea' (cavity or cave) or from its orientation towards Montescaglioso, once called Mons Caveosus. As you explore Sasso Caveoso, you'll be transported back in time, experiencing the unique atmosphere of this ancient settlement. The cave houses, some still inhabited, showcase the ingenuity and resilience of the local people. The dwellings are built one on top of the other, resembling the seating of a theater as they descend towards the gorge. Originally, Sasso Caveoso was secondary to the Civita and Sasso Barisano, becoming inhabited after an influx of Balkan populations in the 16th century. Among the main points of interest are the rock churches, such as the Church of Santa Lucia Alle Malve, dating back to the 9th century, and the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, dating back to the 13th century. Santa Maria de Idris, another must-see, overlooks the other houses from its privileged position. Visitors can also explore a furnished cave house to glimpse the traditional lifestyle of Matera's people until the 1950s. Sasso Caveoso is more than just a historical site; it's a cultural landscape that embodies the enduring relationship between humans and their environment. The Sassi of Matera, including Sasso Caveoso, represent an extraordinary urban ecosystem that has perpetuated cave living from prehistoric times to modernity.

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