Sassi di Matera: Ancient Cave City
Discover Matera's ancient cave dwellings: a UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut architecture, history, and stunning landscapes.
The Sassi di Matera are a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock. Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, these unique settlements offer a glimpse into the past, with a network of winding alleyways, rock churches, and cave houses transformed into homes, businesses, and hotels.
A brief summary to Sassi di Matera
- Matera, Province of Matera, IT
- +390835334543
- Visit website
- 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 exploring the Sassi involves a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and steep inclines.
- Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario to experience a reconstructed cave dwelling and learn about the traditional way of life in the Sassi.
- Explore the rock churches, such as the Crypt of the Original Sin, to admire the ancient frescoes and unique architecture.
- Take advantage of the viewpoints outside the city for impressive panoramic views of the Sassi.
- Consider visiting during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Getting There
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Walking
The Sassi are best explored on foot due to the narrow, winding streets and numerous stairs. From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square in Matera, walk towards Via Ridola and follow the signs for Sasso Barisano or Sasso Caveoso. The walk is approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on your destination within the Sassi. Be prepared for some uphill walking.
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Public Transport
Matera's public transport system, operated by Miccolis s.p.a., offers bus routes that connect the city center with various points near the Sassi. The 'Sassi Line' is a special line that allows you to reach the UNESCO world heritage site. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single ticket costs €0.8 per person if purchased in advance, or €1.50 if purchased on board.
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Taxi
Taxis are available in Matera, with a taxi stand located in Piazza Matteotti, near the Matera Centrale train station. A short taxi ride from the train station or other locations in the city center to the Sassi will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on the distance and traffic.
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Parking
If arriving by car, it's best to park in one of the designated parking areas outside the Sassi, as access by car is restricted. Several parking lots are available near Via Lucana, the main road bordering the historical center. Parking fees vary, but typically range from €1-€2 per hour. Some parking lots offer daily rates. From the parking areas, it's a short walk to the Sassi.
Discover more about Sassi di Matera
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Antica Civita
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Matera Culturale
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Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso
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Saint Giorgio Al Paradiso - Sassi
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MateraCulturale
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Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
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Sassi in Miniatura
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Ape Calessino Tour Matera
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Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
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Complesso Rupestre Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci - Sassi
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Matera City Tour
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Palazzo Lanfranchi
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Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
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Casa Grotta Narrante
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Piazza San Giovanni
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Unmissable attractions to see
MUSMA - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea
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Casa Noha
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Belvedere - Raffaele Giura Longo - storico
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Piazza Duomo
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Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant'Eustachio
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Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
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Piazza San Pietro Caveoso,Matera,Italie
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Piazza del Sedile
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Palazzo del Sedile
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Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso
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Complesso Rupestre San Giorgio - Matera
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Church of Saint Mary of Idris
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Ente di Gestione del Parco Archeologico Storico Naturale delle Chiese Rupestri
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Chiesa di San Francesco d'Assisi
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Osteria Belvedere al Vecchio Frantoio
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Essential places to dine
Regiacorte - L’eccellenza del Territorio
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Baccanti
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Le Bubbole
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Dimora Ulmo ristorante
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Keiv Ristorante
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Ristorante Francesca
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Pietra Viva
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Osteria Pico
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Ristorante Bell'Agio
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Vicolo Cieco
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Tierra Osteria Contemporanea
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Taverna La Focagna
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La Grotta Del Gusto
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Dedalo - Sensi sommersi
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Ristorante Pizzeria Van Gogh
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
GocciaGoccia
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Elisa & Janna
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Il Sedile Srl
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Personalizzami Sas di Acito Mario & C.
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L'Arturo - Enogastronomia
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BG ARTE VISITE GUIDATE
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BG Arte
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Il Bottegaccio di Daddiego Mario
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TAU - Libri e Articoli Religiosi
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L'Antica Credenza
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Lucia Nicastro Concept Store
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Matera Gift Shop 2
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Unique Store Italy for Matera
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Arte Decorativa di Maristella Darretta
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Matera gift shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Monkey Drink House
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Enoteca Felix
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Bar Filly
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Bar Sedile
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Osteria San Pietro
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zipa cafè
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L'Antica Credenza - Bistrot
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Shibuya
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HEMINGWAY'S ITALIAN BAR E RESTAURANT
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Terrazza Cavaliere
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The Boulevard
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La Dispensa di Aquatio
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AREA 8
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San Pietro Barisano Residence e Ristorante
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Terrazza StoneAge
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