The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
Matera, Italy
Freely accessible
Public space — no opening hours to check.
Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.
Find out more
The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, located in the southern Italian city of Matera, is a remarkable archaeological site and cultural landscape centered on rock-cut architecture. The Sassi—meaning "stones"—comprises two adjacent neighborhoods carved directly into the limestone ravine, featuring dwellings and structures hewn from the bedrock itself. Adjoining this ancient settlement is a park containing numerous rupestrian churches, small sanctuaries similarly excavated from the living rock. The site represents an exceptional continuity of human habitation and sacred use spanning millennia, with the rock-cut construction technique creating a seamless integration of architecture and landscape. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi and its rupestrian churches stand as a testament to ingenious adaptation to the natural environment and the enduring cultural traditions of the region.
Movement
- Type
- archaeological site, cultural landscape
- Heritage
- World Heritage Site
- Place
- Matera, Italy
This building on
Architecturally similar
Domus dei Tappeti di PietraRavenna, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria de ArmenisMatera, Italy
Rocchetta MatteiGrizzana Morandi, Italy
Sassi di MateraMatera, Italy
Basilica of the Sacred HeartSassari, Italy
San Pietro, TuscaniaTuscania, Italy- chiesa di Santa Rita da CasciaMarino, Italy
Madonna delle GrazieAmatrice, Italy
Location