Guided tour of the Sassi di Matera

The Sassi di Matera offers an unparalleled journey into ancient human habitation, featuring a labyrinth of cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches, and winding alleys. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, its unique architecture and history, showcasing continuous settlement from the Paleolithic era, create an immersive experience. Visitors can explore excavated homes, frescoes, and a complex urban fabric carved directly into the natural rock, revealing a profound connection between humans and their environment.

While many areas of the Sassi di Matera were abandoned in the mid-20th century, a significant revitalization effort has transformed parts of it into thriving residential neighborhoods, boutique hotels, restaurants, and cultural spaces. Today, a community of residents, artists, and business owners live and work within these ancient cave dwellings, blending modern life with the Sassi's unique historical ambiance.

In Italian, 'Sassi' directly translates to 'stones' or 'rocks.' In Matera, the term specifically refers to the ancient districts composed of cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches, and structures carved directly into the soft calcareous rock formations. These 'stones' represent centuries of human habitation and architectural ingenuity, creating the city's distinctive and iconic landscape.

Exploring the Sassi di Matera largely involves walking through a network of winding alleys, steep staircases, and uneven cobblestone paths. While highly rewarding, it can be physically demanding. Visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for considerable uphill and downhill sections. The unique layout makes walking the primary and most authentic way to experience its hidden corners and panoramic views.

The most common public transportation method to reach Matera from Bari is by train operated by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL). You can catch this train from the Bari Centrale FAL station, which is separate from the main Bari Centrale FS station. Alternatively, several bus services also connect Bari to Matera, offering a direct route. Both options provide scenic journeys and are reliable ways to travel without a car.

Ride-sharing services like Uber are generally not widely available or commonly used for getting around Matera. For local transportation within the city, visitors typically rely on walking, especially within the Sassi areas. Traditional taxi services are available for longer distances or specific routes, and there is a local bus network that serves different parts of Matera.

Yes, Matera does offer tourist bus services, often operating in a hop-on hop-off style, specifically designed to help visitors explore the city and its Sassi districts. These buses provide an accessible way to cover key sights, especially considering the hilly terrain. They typically follow routes that include major viewpoints and historical areas, offering commentary on the city's rich heritage.

Matera is widely recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Paleolithic era, approximately 10,000 years ago. The Sassi, with its ancient cave dwellings and rock churches, are central to this claim, showcasing an unbroken chain of human occupation and adaptation. This deep history contributes significantly to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of immense cultural significance.