The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

The Sassi district contains over 1,000 cave dwellings, churches, and workshops carved into limestone cliffs along the Murgia plateau natural caves.

The settlement dates to the Paleolithic period, with continuous habitation through centuries until 1952 when residents relocated due to poor living conditions.

More than 150 rupestrian churches feature medieval frescoes and religious art, demonstrating the evolution of sacred architecture from the 8th century onward.

The site spans 1,016 hectares across two main districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, connected by walking paths for visitors to explore.

The traditional cave houses were built on three levels, incorporating stables, cellars, and water cisterns, with rooms often shared between humans and animals.

Location: Matera

Location: Montescaglioso

Architectural style: rock-cut architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.66639,16.61028

Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:35