Casa Cisterna: A Glimpse into Matera's Past

4.7 (64)

Explore Casa Cisterna in Matera: Discover ancient cave dwellings and ingenious water collection systems in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Home
Italy
Matera
Sasso Caveoso
Casa Cisterna

Casa Cisterna offers a fascinating look into the lives of Matera's early inhabitants. This historic site, once a traditional cave dwelling, showcases the ingenious methods used to collect and store rainwater in the unique environment of the Sassi di Matera.

A brief summary to Casa Cisterna

Ponte S. Pietro Caveoso, 39, Matera, Province of Matera, 75100, IT
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9:30 am-7 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-7 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-7 pm
Friday 9:30 am-7 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-7 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-7 pm

Local tips

Visit during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
Combine your visit to Casa Cisterna with visits to nearby attractions in the Sassi to make the most of your day in Matera.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces and exploring the cave dwellings.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The Gathering of the Waters

The Gathering of the Waters: Matera's Ancient Reservoir

Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli

Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli: Matera's Panoramic Terrace

Sasso Caveoso

Sasso Caveoso: A Journey into Matera's Ancient Soul

Getting There

Walking

Casa Cisterna is located in the Sasso Caveoso area of Matera. From Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, walk along Via Bruno Buozzi. Look for signs indicating Casa Cisterna near Bar Idris and Residence Corte San Pietro; the entrance is down a set of stairs to the left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. Note that the Sassi area involves walking on uneven surfaces and inclines.
Public Transport

From Matera city center (e.g., Via Don Luigi Sturzo), take the Linea Sassi minibus. Get off at the stop closest to Piazza San Pietro Caveoso and follow the walking directions. A single ticket costs €0.8, or €1.50 if purchased on board.

Discover more about Casa Cisterna

Casa Cisterna provides a captivating journey into Matera's rich history and architectural ingenuity. Located in the heart of the Sassi, this unique attraction is housed within a beautifully preserved cave dwelling, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who once called these remarkable rock-cut structures home. The main feature of Casa Cisterna is its ancient cistern, ingeniously designed to collect and store rainwater, a precious resource in this arid region. The displays within Casa Cisterna illustrate the traditional way of life in Matera, showcasing tools, textiles, and everyday items used by past inhabitants. Visitors can explore the cave's various chambers and learn about the techniques used to carve these dwellings into the rock, as well as the social and cultural context of the Sassi. Casa Cisterna is more than just a museum; it's an immersive experience that allows you to step back in time and appreciate the resourcefulness and resilience of the Matera people. The tranquil ambiance of the location encourages reflection on the ancient practices and lifestyles that shaped this extraordinary city.