Museum culture in , Matera!

Murgia National Park (Parco della Murgia Materana)

Why Visit?

Begin your museum tour of the stunning Murgia National Park (Parco della Murgia Materana) in Matera, a city famed for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi, and a rich history that spans back to Paleolithic times.

Morning: Museo Nazionale Ridola

Start your day at the Museo Nazionale Ridola in Matera, located near the entrance to the Sassi. This museum, founded by the archaeologist Domenico Ridola, gifts visitors with insights into the prehistoric life of the region. Explore exhibits that showcase artifacts from Neolithic, Paleolithic, and Iron Age settlements. Don"t miss the intricate grave goods from local burial sites, which provide a fascinating look at early human rituals and culture.

Getting to Murgia National Park

From Matera, take a short ride to the park. You can either drive, take a local bus, or join a guided tour. The park entrance is about 15 minutes from the city center. Biking is also a popular option for those who prefer an active approach, with rentals available near the Sassi.

Afternoon: Rock Churches and Crypts

Once at Murgia National Park, immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of ancient rock churches scattered across the rugged landscapes. These churches, carved from the soft tufa rock, contain Byzantine frescoes that have watched over the region for centuries. Notable sites include the Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte and Santa Maria de Idris. Each offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual and artistic history that is tightly interwoven with the natural environment.

Evening: Sunset at Belvedere di Murgia Timone

Cap your day with a sunset view at Belvedere di Murgia Timone, where the panoramic vistas over Matera and the surrounding park are breathtaking. The changing colors over the ancient city and rugged terrain provide a perfect, peaceful end to a culturally rich day.

This tour not only explores the deep historical roots and cultural expressions of the Matera region but also connects them to the natural beauty that has cradled and preserved them throughout the ages.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Sassi di Matera

Why Visit?

A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Sassi di Matera

Morning: Arrival and Introduction

Begin your exploration of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient cave dwellings, by arriving early in Matera. The nearest major airport is in Bari, about an hour"s drive away. Upon arrival, head to the Centro Storico of Matera to soak in the ambiance of this prehistoric town. Grab a quick coffee at Caffè Schiuma, renowned for its artisan pastries, a perfect energy booster for the walk ahead.

Mid-Morning: Museo Nazionale d"Arte Medievale e Moderna della Basilicata

Start at the Museo Nazionale d"Arte Medievale e Moderna della Basilicata. Located in the Palazzo Lanfranchi, a short walk from the city center, this museum houses an incredible collection of medieval and modern art from the Basilicata region. Don"t miss the 16th-century frescoes and the extensive collection of 17th-century Neapolitan paintings.

Lunch: Local Cuisine Experience

For lunch, dine at Trattoria del Caveoso, offering traditional Materan dishes like "crapiata" (a hearty legume soup), enjoyed in a rustic, cave-like setting that complements the historical journey of the day.

Afternoon: The Rupestrian Churches

Post-lunch, delve into the spiritual heritage of Matera with a visit to the rupestrian churches carved into the rock of the Sassi. Start your visit at Santa Lucia alle Malve, the first female monastic settlement in Matera, featuring frescoes dating back to the 8th century.

Late Afternoon: Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

Conclude your museum tour at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, which offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Sassi dwellers. The cave house is preserved with original furnishings and tools, providing a vivid picture of past domestic life.

Evening: Reflect and Relax

As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk back towards the Centro Storico and enjoy a gelato from I Vizi degli Angeli, known for its inventive flavors. Reflect on a day steeped in history, art, and culture as you watch the limestone city turn golden in the fading light.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Madonna delle Virtù Church (Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù)

Why Visit?

Exploring the Ethereal Elegance of Madonna delle Virtù, Matera

Step into the heart of Matera"s ancient Sassi districts to unearth one of its hidden religious gems, the Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù. This unique rock church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an immersive dive into both history and spirituality, amalgamated with captivating rock architecture that defines Matera"s picturesque landscape.

Getting There

Madonna delle Virtù is nestled within the Sassi di Matera, accessible on foot from the city center. The nearest major city with an airport is Bari, from which you can take a train or a bus to Matera. Once in Matera, the church is best reached by walking, allowing you to soak in the city"s ancient ambiance. Wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone streets and uneven paths require sturdy footwear.

Visit Details

The church is typically open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily. Entry fees are modest, often around 5 euros, contributing to the preservation of Matera"s historical sites. Guided tours are available and recommended to fully appreciate the complex history and architecture of the church and its adjoining monastery complex, the Monastero di Santa Lucia alle Malve.

Tour Highlights

Begin your tour marveling at the church"s façade, modest yet steeped in history, before stepping inside to explore its cavernous interior. The church, excavated entirely from calcarenite rock in the 12th century, features frescoes that narrate biblical tales and the lives of saints, some still vibrantly preserved against the tuff walls.

Do not miss the adjoining monastery, where you can view cells where monks lived and meditated, offering a poignant glimpse into their austere lives.

Interesting Fact

Madonna delle Virtù is part of a larger complex connected by an intricate network of labyrinths and caves that once served various religious and social purposes, illustrating the blend of natural and man-made craftsmanship.

End your visit with a leisurely stroll back into Matera’s alleys, reflecting on the profound spiritual heritage you’ve just encountered, truly a cornerstone of Matera’s cultural and religious tapestry.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.