Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches
![The Sassi originate from a prehistoric troglodyte settlement and are suspected to be among the first human settlements in Italy. There is evidence that people were living here as early as the year 7000 BC.[2]
The Sassi are houses dug into the calcarenitic rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Apulia, locally called "tufo" although it is not volcanic tuff or tufa. Many of these dwellings are really only caverns, and the streets in some parts of the Sassi often run on top of other houses. The ancient town grew up on one slope of the ravine created by a river that is now a small stream. The ravine is known locally as "la Gravina".
In the 1950s, the government of Italy forcefully relocated most of the population of the Sassi to areas of the developing modern city. Riddled with malaria, the unhealthy living conditions were considered an affront to the new Italian Republic of Alcide De Gasperi.[3] However, people continued to live in the Sassi, and according to the English Fodor's guide[when?]:
Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago.
Until the late 1980s this was considered an area of poverty, since many of these houses were, and in some cases still are, uninhabitable. Current local administration, however, has become more tourism-oriented, and it has promoted the regeneration of the Sassi with the aid of the European Union, the government, UNESCO, and Hollywood. Today there are many thriving businesses, pubs, and hotels there, as described in a May 2015 New Yorker magazine article.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602067/ee8b639e-9537-4eee-bb69-84b65431a70c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches
Tours & day trips
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From Bari : Unesco Tour - Guided Tour of Matera and Alberobello
Private & custom tours
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Bike tour to the lake - self guided for families
Food, drink & nightlife
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Guided Sassi di Matera Tour with Live Traditional Music Experience
Adventure & outdoor
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Tour with Guide in the Sassi of Matera aboard a Van
Popular places to visit
Cathedral of Matera
You can learn about the history of Sasso Caveoso with a visit to Cathedral of Matera. Visit the spas and churches in this romantic area.
Casa Noha
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Casa Noha during your trip to Sasso Caveoso. Visit the area's cathedral or simply enjoy its cafes.
Museo della Scultura Contemporanea
You can browse the exhibits at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Sasso Caveoso. Visit the spas in this romantic area or simply enjoy its local cheese shops.
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
Learn about the local history of Sasso Caveoso with a stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. Visit the spas and churches in this romantic area.
Casa Grotta 'Once Upon a Time...'
You can learn about the history of Sasso Barisano with a stop at Casa Grotta 'Once Upon a Time...'. Visit the spas in this trendy area or simply enjoy its local cheese shops.
Church of San Pietro Caveoso
After visiting Church of San Pietro Caveoso, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Sasso Caveoso. Visit the spas and churches in this trendy area.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches
Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
Cenobio Hotel & SPA Matera
Hotel San Domenico al Piano
Pianelle Resort
Eurostars Matera LaSuite
Fra i Sassi - Residence
