Sassi di Matera
Sassi di Matera features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Matera. Give it roughly ~180 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~180 min
- Matera Matera guide
About Sassi di Matera
One of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements on earth, a UNESCO World Heritage city of cave dwellings carved into two dramatic ravines, inhabited since the Palaeolithic era and designated European Capital of Culture in 2019.
The Sassi di Matera, 'the stones of Matera', are the ancient cave districts of the city of Matera in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Carved into two deep ravines (the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano) that cut into the edge of the Murgia plateau above the Gravina gorge, the Sassi represent one of the longest continuously inhabited urban settlements in the world, with evidence of human habitation going back at least 9,000 years. The cave dwellings range from simple single-room excavations to elaborate multi-floor houses, churches, and civic buildings. Abandoned by government decree in the 1950s as a 'national shame', the Sassi were later recognised as extraordinary heritage, restored, and transformed into one of Italy's most remarkable tourism destinations.
Did you know? The Sassi di Matera are among the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlements in the world, with evidence of human habitation going back at least 9,000 years to the Neolithic period. Some archaeologists believe occupation may date to the Upper Palaeolithic (30,000+ years ago), which would make Matera one of the oldest inhabited places on earth.
How long is a visit to Sassi di Matera?
Set aside roughly ~180 min for Sassi di Matera. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Sassi di Matera worth your time?
Sassi di Matera is among the 15 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Matera, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Matera
Hear the story of Sassi di Matera
Preview the Matera tour free in the Gingerguide app.