The Sassi of Matera - Ancient Cave Dwellings
Port
Taranto
Activity Level
high
Duration
5:30 Hours
Enjoy a guided walk through the intriguing, ancient cave dwellings of the Sassi Di Matera.
Strolling through this enigmatic complex of cave dwellings, which was carved into the walls of an ancient river canyon, takes you back to a prehistoric time. The Sassi Di Matera (stones of Matera) originated during Palaeolithic times, dating back to 10,000 BC – making them some of the first human settlements in Italy.
The Sassi are houses and churches dug into the rock itself and the streets in some parts of the Sassi are often located on the rooftops of other houses. You’ll have a chance to visit one of these dwellings, as well as one of the astonishing grotto churches.
Standing on the highest point of the town you’ll find the 13th-century Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Della Bruna. It was built in Apulia Romanesque style and boasts a 52-metre bell tower.
You may also recognise this UNESCO Site as the setting for Mel Gibson’s film – The Passion of Christ.
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