Matera Art & Culture: Top 5 Must-See Attractions

Matera, this somewhat unbelievable spot in Basilicata, Italy, is seriously like stepping back in time. So, the Sassi districts, with their cave dwellings, aren’t just seriously fascinating historically; they’re also quite intensely filled with artistic and cultural gems. Actually, are you preparing a trip and are just a bit unsure about exactly what spots to prioritize? We’ve certainly got you covered. Now, anyway, let’s check some great locations in the area. Get to know them!

1. Matera Cathedral (Duomo di Matera)

Matera Cathedral, more or less the Duomo, stands pretty imposingly on the Civita hill, and it actually separates the Sasso Barisano from the Sasso Caveoso. It actually took its spot in 1270 in the Romanesque style. The really striking rose window on the facade, is very eye-catching as well, featuring sixteen petals that seemingly draw you closer. Too, it’s almost impossible to miss the bell tower, soaring upwards and adding to the skyline. The church went through renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries, that apparently, brought in Baroque elements. Now, by the way, if that’s of interest to you, step inside to see ceilings decorated with artistic pieces that really display religious events and figures, like your paintings and sculptures, for sure. When we talk of paintings we can certainly pinpoint some amazing things to see: look for the Byzantine icon of the Madonna della Bruna – really, this icon has that significance for local devotion and it is often at the core of local devotion and festivities.

Basically, is art history is something that ignites your passion? Be ready to invest like your minimum of 1 hour for a pretty enriching visit, is that right? Then too it’s almost that you might just linger longer, really letting the sacred atmosphere absorb you in total harmony.

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2. MUSMA – Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera

So, for a somewhat very different cultural experience, MUSMA – Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera actually sits nestled in the core of the Sassi. Now, anyway, are you searching for a place that shows contemporary art within old cave homes? It seems pretty strange, yes, that showcases a juxtaposition between modern creativity with really a glimpse of historic structure. It’s sort of the first museum actually devoted totally to sculpture. MUSMA actually has works of art by Italian artists, as a matter of fact focusing mostly on the sculpture from the late 19th century ’til now. You see displays on display set within spaces literally dug straight into the rock.

Really, imagine yourself going from cave after cave to admire pieces designed using your contemporary aesthetic standards, is that right? The location creates an exceptional backdrop, where the darkness that is, surrounds you almost making each object and piece sort of “come to life.” So, basically, what kind of artwork do people love the most over there? Permanent art, is that right? I will mention a piece to you and it’s about your local Materan artist Antonio Paradiso. Is it that there a lot to take in? Make certain to reserve nearly 2 hours, just a little bit to allow actually yourself lots of time here.

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3. Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

So, do you want to peek directly in an aged Sassi lifestyle? This might be a place to be. This home actually was brought back as if to show to visitors pretty much what everyday life may be for regional populations ’til not very recently, actually. With that in mind, there is somewhat the original furniture, utensils, and tools inside, to basically paint literally a pretty clear representation as to the realities that numerous people of Matera lived during the 1900s.

It might appear pretty minimal; really this provides strong cultural knowledge. Now, by the way, think about exactly how complete people occupied such spaces. This makes us think more deeply not only about Matera as just the site but it can tell you a piece or two of just exactly who and just how individuals carved lives from stones.

Too, it’s almost that many would say you might get really through in as low as 30–45 minutes; truly, I think it may be a key experience especially if you actually want the story behind how Matera started prior to it having global popularity. So, too it’s almost if possible that the Sassi communities really managed the location without actually giving an effect on natural resources. Casa Grotta provides an understanding to that.

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4. Church of San Pietro Barisano

Alright, should old churches really tickle one’s passions, San Pietro Barisano often turns out basically to be Matera’s biggest rock church. But, as a matter of fact, parts of it had fallen, in a way which you visit through several interior areas, such as for example the catacombs, that is that right? You get pretty special look over here – with various eras being observable right inside walls in a single location only. This amazing stone construction really represents almost one thousand and more of spiritual stories from one religious community as a testament towards a place through centuries actually.

First built as very primitive design within 1100s, and you know, this eventually turned into more as time passes until its major modification took hold during 1700s making almost all facets here in that fashion these days: inside there is the architecture including baroque paintings. It turns really special as a reminder of many periods throughout Materan history, wouldn’t one accept. Ensure like you don’t miss walking downward for those old undergrounds places at where many bodies used even to be conserved which often seems quite frightening, really, but insightful simultaneously. Consider 60 mins because there can be fairly a large amount; and be prepared those camera pictures will need correct exposure due darkish caverns or rooms there around there so ensure this is addressed prior really.

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5. Tramontano Castle

Does medieval actually sounds to suit everyone’s liking now, by the way? So, Tramontano Fortress actually lies at Matera; and so that structure reveals somewhat about historic events across history of locations in this place. What had been structured around start of sixteenth centuries by which Count Giancarlo Tramontano did need his mansion though which happens under some not finished at entirely because that fellow does receive assassinating prior entirely concludes; but right these times stays nonetheless stands as solid statement which then influences over town picture currently showing us historic impact there also and never actually goes completely unnoticed actually while visiting nowadays either due amazing standing through many centuries after even even considering uncomplete state that really represents something vital through times after Giancarlo Tramontano. Have everyone have actually photo opportunity over these impressive castle during sunsets moments?

This spot can show the background for those who want those details too along those experiences from outside too and could potentially offer those excellent photographing also opportunities. In regards length wise time that to get throughout there might just require anywhere starting merely one thirty minutes depending precisely individuals degrees by detail; and ensure that even while getting over outside it can do become often more windy here as it is very much open so arrange layering well for this trip so this way weather conditions affects does remain nominal in nature altogether when walking too otherwise it becomes troublesome in that stage itself here at most probably that scenario given scenario.

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