Villaggio Saraceno

Villaggio Saraceno is an archaeological site in Matera containing excavated house foundations, tools, and everyday objects from multiple time periods. The ruins spread across uneven terrain in distinct layers that reveal how people lived here across thousands of years.

People first settled here in prehistoric times, and over the centuries different groups arrived and left their marks on the land. The name suggests later Arab or medieval presence, though the site was eventually abandoned and lay hidden until modern excavations began.

The objects found here show how people organized their homes and spent their days in ancient times. You can see in the remains what tools they used and how they connected with each other.

Good footwear is important since the ground is uneven and walking paths wind between the ruins and hillsides. The cooler months are better for visiting since there is little shade and the sun can be intense during peak summer.

The site sits within a protected natural area known for its distinctive limestone formations that shape the landscape. Visitors can explore both ancient remains and the distinctive geology of the Murgia plateau at the same time.