Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo: A Window into Matera's Past

Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the history and culture of Matera, a city famous for its ancient cave dwellings. Located in the Rione Casalnuovo, this museum is set within a traditional cave home, meticulously preserved to showcase the living conditions, tools, and customs of the past. The cave house consists of five rooms across three levels, complete with original furnishings and tools used by the family who lived there until 1958. Visitors can explore the rooms, including the main living area, kitchen, stable, cellar, and even a snow house used for storing ice. Life-size dioramas depict daily activities, offering a vivid picture of life in this ancient environment. The Casa Grotta provides an immersive experience, highlighting the architectural significance of the caves and the cultural practices that shaped Matera's identity. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, offering insights into the lives of the cave dwellers and the social context of the time. The museum also provides access for visitors with disabilities, including a visual-tactile map and 3D model for the visually impaired, and a video guide in LIS for the hearing impaired. Visiting Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand Matera's recent history and the lives of its inhabitants before the Sassi were abandoned in the 1950s. It's a poignant reminder of the poverty and emigration that marked Matera's past, and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people.