Sasso Caveoso - Vista della città vecchia di Matera in vista del 2019
1 / 10

Sasso Caveoso

4.8
·2k reviews·Matera, Italy

Explore Sasso Caveoso, Matera's ancient cave district, a UNESCO site offering a journey through millennia of human history carved into rock.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Sasso Caveoso - Vista della città vecchia di Matera in vista del 2019

Sasso Caveoso

Best Time

Early mornings

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Sasso Caveoso, Matera's ancient cave district, a UNESCO site offering a journey through millennia of human history carved into rock.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Matera is simply breathtaking! I have never been so moved by a place... Is simply unbelievable."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and stairs. Prioritize comfort!

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially in warmer months, carry water as you explore the extensive cave systems.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sassi di Matera

Sassi di Matera

Sasso Caveoso & Sasso Barisano

Ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock, a UNESCO site and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

TikTok
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

Sasso Caveoso

Step back in time in a preserved traditional cave home, showcasing life in Matera centuries ago.

TikTok
Palombaro Lungo

Palombaro Lungo

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

An incredible underground cistern system, a marvel of ancient engineering hidden beneath the city.

TikTokInstagram
Santa Maria de Idris

Santa Maria de Idris

Sasso Caveoso

A rock-hewn sanctuary offering breathtaking views over the Sasso Caveoso and a glimpse into religious history.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Steps!

Prepare for an adventure of elevation! Sasso Caveoso is a labyrinth of ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock, meaning lots of walking and stairs. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. Reddit

Book Ahead for Unique Stays

Experience Matera by staying in a cave hotel! Many unique accommodations are carved directly into the Sassi. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for those seeking a truly immersive experience in the Sasso Caveoso. TikTok

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Golden light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Sunset views, magical atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
City lights twinkle beautifully
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

one of the most incredible places I’ve ever seen. #travelitaly #matera
@kacierose4
108.3K likes • 850.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and stairs. Prioritize comfort! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially in warmer months, carry water as you explore the extensive cave systems. TikTok

Would you stay here? 📍Sant Angelo Luxury Resort #Matera #Italy #sassidimatera #luxuryhotel #cavesuite #southernitaly
@nastasiahayat
13.9K likes • 144.4K views
Scopri il tuo angolo di paradiso a Mata Suite! Rilassati nella nostra esclusiva mini piscina idromassaggio Jacuzzi, con una vista mozzafiato sul Sasso Caveoso di Matera. Un’esperienza unica di comfort e bellezza, per rendere il tuo soggiorno davvero indimenticabile. Prenota ora!
mata_suite
10 likes • 3.5K views

🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)

Wander through the alleys; you'll discover hidden cafes and stunning viewpoints. Reddit

📸 Drone Photography

Capture the unique landscape from above, but be mindful of regulations. Instagram

Matera. Visitiamo il Sasso Caveoso.❤️
viaggioamatera
99 likes • 4.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and stairs. Prioritize comfort! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially in warmer months, carry water as you explore the extensive cave systems. TikTok

🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)

Wander through the alleys; you'll discover hidden cafes and stunning viewpoints. Reddit

📸 Drone Photography

Capture the unique landscape from above, but be mindful of regulations. Instagram

🏨 Cave Hotel Experience

Book a stay in a cave dwelling for an unforgettable, immersive experience. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently describe Sasso Caveoso as breathtaking and profoundly moving, with many calling it one of the most incredible places they've ever seen. The unique experience of exploring ancient cave dwellings and the sheer historical depth captivate travelers, though the extensive walking and stairs are a notable challenge. Reddit

"be prepared to walk 1525251028 steps, and it seems you always go up and even on return up again if you dont want to take same path, but its totally worth it. i been there on rainy day and still worth it"

Anja Stevanović

"Matera is simply breathtaking! I have never been so moved by a place... Not even Pompei (and yes it is also magnificent and an absolute wonder of history). MATERA is one of the oldest cities in the world and is literally a jewel. The feeling of being there, trying to understand how anyone could have come up with this crazy idea of carving a whole city into stone... Is simply unbelievable."

Alina Sova

"It is very picturesque. There are a plenty of museums and hidden cafes in the narrow streets. Get comfortable shoes."

Monik Razhd

What People Like

Breathtaking ancient cave dwellings
Profound historical atmosphere
Unique and moving experience

What People Dislike

Numerous stairs and walking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sasso Caveoso is a district within Matera. You can reach Matera by train (from Bari) or bus. Once in Matera, the Sasso Caveoso is best explored on foot. Taxis are available, but walking is the most immersive way to experience the ancient city. Reddit

Driving directly into the Sassi districts is restricted. It's best to park your car in designated parking areas outside the historic center and walk or take a local shuttle. Reddit

The best way to navigate Sasso Caveoso is by foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the area is hilly with many stairs and uneven paths. Reddit

While there are no dedicated public transport routes within the Sassi themselves, local buses operate in the wider Matera area. However, walking is the primary and most rewarding way to explore. Reddit

The Sasso Caveoso is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Matera Centrale train station. Taxis are also readily available. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Sasso Caveoso itself is an open area and generally free to wander. However, specific attractions within the Sassi, like Casa Grotta or museums, require separate tickets. TikTok

As an ancient district, Sasso Caveoso is accessible at all times. However, individual cave dwellings, museums, and churches have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late afternoon/early evening. TikTok

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended to understand the history and significance of the Sassi. Many local guides offer walking tours that cover both Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Reddit

Wandering through the Sasso Caveoso is free. Costs are associated with visiting specific museums, cave houses (like Casa Grotta), and churches. TikTok

For popular attractions like Casa Grotta or guided tours, booking online in advance is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Every corner offers a photo opportunity! Key spots include viewpoints overlooking the ravine, the narrow alleys, rock-hewn churches like Santa Maria de Idris, and the unique cave dwellings themselves. Instagram+1

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas due to it being a UNESCO World Heritage site and a populated area. Always check local regulations before flying. Instagram

Early mornings offer soft, golden light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide dramatic shadows and beautiful sunset hues. Evenings offer a magical ambiance with the city lights. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful when photographing private residences or inside churches and museums, where flash photography might be prohibited. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and narrow alleys. A versatile zoom lens is also useful. Consider a tripod for low-light evening shots. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Several restaurants within Sasso Caveoso offer authentic Lucanian cuisine. Look for places serving local specialties like 'peperoni cruschi' and 'crapiata'. Instagram

Yes, many establishments offer stunning views of the Sassi. Some cave hotels also have restaurants or bars with panoramic vistas. Instagram

Don't miss 'crapiata' (a hearty legume soup), 'cialedda materana' (a bread-based dish), and dishes featuring local ingredients like 'peperoni cruschi' (crispy sweet peppers). Instagram

While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options by looking for trattorias or pizzerias slightly off the main tourist paths. Instagram

Traditional Lucanian cuisine is often hearty and meat-focused, but many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options, especially pasta dishes and vegetable-based starters. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sasso Caveoso can be an exciting adventure for families, offering a unique 'city of caves' to explore. While the extensive walking and stairs require stamina, children often find the maze-like alleys and cave dwellings fascinating. Consider visiting a Casa Grotta to give kids a tangible sense of historical living. TikTok

Bring plenty of snacks and water, and plan for breaks. The Palombaro Lungo offers a cool, underground exploration that can be a hit with younger visitors. Opt for guided tours that are engaging for children, focusing on stories and interactive elements rather than dry historical facts. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Wandering through the Sasso Caveoso itself is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity. Focus on exploring the public areas, enjoying the stunning views, and perhaps visiting one or two key sites like a Casa Grotta or a rock-hewn church. TikTokInstagram

Pack your own picnic to enjoy amidst the ancient scenery, and look for local bakeries or small trattorias for more affordable meal options away from the main tourist hubs. Many of the most breathtaking views require no entry fee. Instagram

💖 Couples & Romantics

Sasso Caveoso offers an incredibly romantic backdrop, especially during sunset and at night when the Sassi light up. Consider booking a stay in a cave hotel for a truly unique and intimate experience. TikTokInstagram

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the atmospheric alleys, find a hidden trattoria for a candlelit dinner featuring local cuisine, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views. The magical ambiance of Matera makes it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Sassi

The Sassi di Matera, encompassing both Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, represent one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with evidence of human occupation dating back to the Paleolithic era. These ancient cave dwellings, carved directly into the calcarenite rock, were once home to a large population. For centuries, the Sassi were a symbol of poverty and poor living conditions, leading to their evacuation in the 1950s. However, a remarkable revitalization effort began in the late 20th century, transforming the Sassi into a unique cultural and tourist destination. TikTokInstagram

Today, the Sasso Caveoso is particularly known for its well-preserved ancient cave structures and its role in historical films, including the James Bond movie 'No Time to Die'. It offers a more raw and authentic glimpse into the past compared to the more developed Sasso Barisano. Exploring its labyrinthine alleys feels like stepping back thousands of years, a truly unbelievable experience that moves many visitors. TikTokReddit

The UNESCO World Heritage status granted in 1993 has been crucial in preserving and promoting the Sassi. This recognition highlights the exceptional universal value of Matera's cave dwellings and their unique adaptation to the natural landscape. The ongoing efforts focus on sustainable tourism that respects the historical integrity of the site while allowing visitors to experience its profound history and beauty. TikTokInstagram

Experiencing Life in a Cave Dwelling

Staying in a cave hotel or B&B in Sasso Caveoso offers an unparalleled travel experience. These accommodations are ingeniously carved into the ancient rock, providing a unique blend of historical ambiance and modern comfort. Imagine waking up within walls that have sheltered humans for millennia! Many of these unique stays feature modern amenities like private bathrooms and Wi-Fi, while retaining the rustic charm of their origins. TikTokInstagram

Some of the more luxurious cave suites even offer private jacuzzis with breathtaking views over the Sassi, creating a truly romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. Instagram Exploring these spaces gives you a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to appreciate the ingenuity of the people who first carved out these homes. It's a chance to live history, not just observe it. Reddit

For those who prefer a glimpse without an overnight stay, visiting a Casa Grotta (cave house museum) is essential. These preserved dwellings, like Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, are furnished as they would have been centuries ago, offering a vivid portrayal of daily life, tools, and living conditions within the Sassi. It’s a powerful way to understand the resilience and resourcefulness of Matera's former inhabitants. TikTok

Engineering Marvels: The Palombaro Lungo

Beneath the bustling piazzas of Matera lies an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering: the Palombaro Lungo. This vast underground cistern, carved entirely from the rock in the Sasso Caveoso, was designed to collect and store rainwater, a vital resource in this arid region. Its sheer scale is astonishing, with a capacity that could sustain the city for extended periods. Instagram

Exploring the Palombaro Lungo is like descending into the heart of Matera's history. The network of channels, tunnels, and interconnected chambers showcases the sophisticated water management systems developed by the inhabitants over centuries. It's a testament to their ingenuity and deep understanding of their environment. Instagram

Visiting this subterranean wonder provides a unique perspective on the challenges and solutions of ancient urban living. It’s a cool, quiet escape from the sun-drenched streets above and a fascinating insight into the infrastructure that supported life in the Sassi for so long. TikTok

You may also like