The Sassi of Matera

The Sassi di Matera are one of Italy's most fascinating and iconic places, an extraordinary site recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993, the first in southern Italy to receive this prestigious recognition. It is a true urban cultural landscape, where the evolution of human settlement can be traced through the centuries, in a natural setting that is unique in the world: that of the Murgia Materana.

The Sassi are divided into three main areas: the Sasso Barisano, the Sasso Caveoso, and the Civita hill that divides the two Sassi. They cover an area of about 32 hectares and tell an uninterrupted story of life and transformation, evidenced by rock architecture, houses carved into the rock, churches, hypogea, and hanging gardens. This ancient urban center blends perfectly with the modern historic center of Matera, to which it is connected by numerous stairways, alleys, and passageways that allow for a continuous dialogue between past and present.

A blend of stone, history, and spirituality

Visiting the Sassi means immersing yourself in a city carved and built into stone, where every corner tells the story of a different era: from prehistoric dwellings to medieval churches, from Renaissance courtyards to Baroque palaces. A vertical labyrinth in which caves, neighborhoods, balconies, stairways, vegetable gardens, and palaces follow one another in continuous succession, forming an urban landscape without equal.

Walking along Via Bruno Buozzi, Via Madonna delle Virtù, and Via D'Addozio, which connect the two main districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, you can cross the Sassi admiring not only the architecture but also the wonderful view of the Murgia Materana Park that opens up right in front of you. The side streets offer ever-changing and surprising views, ideal for photography enthusiasts and slow tourism.

The Rock Churches in the Sassi of Matera: sacred art in the rock

Among the most characteristic elements of the Sassi are the rock churches, authentic jewels of religious art set in the limestone rock, which bear witness to the transition from the pre-Christian era to the spread of Christianity.

Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone
Located on the rocky spur of Monterrone, in the heart of Sasso Caveoso, Santa Maria de Idris is one of the most spectacular churches in the city. The religious building, visible from almost every vantage point, overlooks the Gravina di Matera and offers a breathtaking view. It is part of a complex that also includes the crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone, a sacred space decorated with frescoes dating from the 12th to the 17th century. The two churches, connected internally, form a site of great artistic and spiritual value.

Santa Lucia alle Malve
Not far away, in the Malve district, stands the rock church of Santa Lucia alle Malve, the city's first Benedictine female monastic settlement, dating back to the 8th century. The complex extends along a rocky wall and is recognizable by the symbolic presence of the martyrdom of Saint Lucia, represented by a chalice with two eyes carved in stone. Inside, there are frescoes of extraordinary beauty, among the most important of Matera's rock heritage.

San Pietro Barisano
In the heart of Sasso Barisano is San Pietro Barisano, the largest church in the Sasso district.

Visiting the Sassi of Matera

The Sassi di Matera offer an immersive experience in a unique heritage that combines archaeology, art, faith, and tradition. Every stone tells a story, every glimpse offers emotions, and every rock church reveals a piece of the past. Whether you are a curious traveler, a history lover, or a photography enthusiast, the Sassi are a must-see for anyone who wants to discover the most authentic soul of Basilicata.