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

Explore a traditional cave dwelling in Matera's Sassi district and step back in time to experience peasant life at Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo.

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Step back in time at Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo, a preserved cave dwelling in Matera's historic Sassi district. This unique museum offers a glimpse into the lives of peasant families who inhabited these caves until the mid-20th century, showcasing their homes, furnishings, and daily life.

A brief summary to Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo

  • Monday 9:30 am-2 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-2 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the day for the best lighting to explore the cave interiors.
  • Take advantage of the multilingual audio guide to fully understand the history and cultural context of the Casa Grotta.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo is located in the Sasso Caveoso area of Matera. From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square, walk approximately 15-20 minutes through the Sassi. Follow the signs towards Rione Casalnuovo. The walk involves navigating narrow, winding streets with some slopes and stairs.

  • Public Transport

    Matera is served by an urban bus network. From Matera Centrale railway station, take a bus to the Sassi area. The 'Sassi Line' is a special line that will bring you to the UNESCO world heritage site. Get off at a stop closest to Rione Casalnuovo and walk the remaining distance. A single ticket costs €0.8, or €1.50 if purchased on board.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Matera. A taxi from Matera Centrale railway station to Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo will cost approximately €10.5, based on a 5km ride. Taxi stands are located in Piazza Matteotti.

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Discover more about Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo

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.

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