Subterranean Wonders Route
Self-Guided TourThis fascinating journey uncovers the hidden depths of the city, focusing on what lies beneath the cobblestone streets. It explores the incredible engineering and primitive living conditions that defined the subterranean lifestyle. Visitors will discover vast water cisterns, historically accurate cave homes, and mysterious crypts. The tour highlights the ingenuity of ancient inhabitants who mastered survival in a harsh, rocky environment. It is a highly educational exploration of the literal foundations of the settlement.
SURFACE BREAKDOWN
ELEVATION PROFILE
WHY WE LOVE THIS ROUTE
To truly understand this city, you must look below the surface. This tour reveals the hidden engineering marvels and harsh realities that shaped the daily lives of the inhabitants for thousands of years.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- • Claustrophobic visitors should be aware that some of the cave passages are quite narrow and dimly lit.
- • Entry to the Palombaro Lungo is strictly guided and regulated, so purchasing tickets in advance is a wise decision.
- • The temperature drops significantly when exploring the underground cisterns, so carrying a light jacket or sweater is highly recommended.
- 1ATTRACTION
Long Palombaro
PALOMBARO LUNGOA jaw dropping, cathedral sized underground water cistern entirely excavated by hand. Navigating its metal walkways reveals the immense scale of the ancient city's ingenious rainwater collection system.
to next stop - 2HIGHLIGHT
Church of Purgatory
CHIESA DEL PURGATORIOWhile the church is above ground, its macabre facade adorned with carved skulls and skeletons hints at the morbid subterranean burial practices and the local historical fascination with death and redemption.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Architectural Styles
- Romanesque
to next stop - 3HIGHLIGHT
Vico Solitario Cave Home
CASA GROTTA DI VICO SOLITARIOA deeply evocative, fully furnished example of a typical peasant cave dwelling. It provides a stark, tangible understanding of the cramped, harsh living conditions experienced by families before the evacuation.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Heritage Status
- Italian National Heritage
WEB & AMENITIES
to next stop - 4WAYPOINT
Matera Sum Hypogeum
IPOGEI MATERA SUMA recently discovered, extensive underground complex featuring ancient homes, streets, and places of worship buried deep beneath the modern city. It feels like uncovering a lost, frozen civilisation.
Other Self-Guided Tours
Check out other routes in Matera
Cinematic City Tour
Because of its astonishing resemblance to ancient Jerusalem and its raw, timeless aesthetic, the city has been a favoured location for global filmmakers. This tour connects the most recognisable filming spots from major international blockbusters and classic Italian cinema. Walk in the footsteps of directors like Pier Paolo Pasolini and Mel Gibson, or envision high speed espionage chases from the recent James Bond film. The route highlights how the dramatic landscape translates onto the silver screen. It is an exciting, pop culture infused way to explore the ancient districts.
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Rupestrian Frescoes Discovery
The surrounding landscape is famously dotted with over one hundred and fifty rupestrian churches carved out by monks over centuries. This curated route visits the most significant and beautifully decorated of these cave sanctuaries. The focus is on the incredible, vividly coloured Byzantine frescoes that have survived against all odds on the damp rock walls. The tour explores the deep spirituality and artistic heritage that flourished in isolation. It is a quiet, contemplative journey into medieval religious art.
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Alternative Ways to Tour the City
Switch your pace. Discover curated routes by bike, foot, or self-guided exploration.
Civita and Barisano Path
This route navigates the northern ancient district and the central rocky spur that divides the city. The architecture here exhibits more intricate carved portals and built facades that conceal the caves behind them. The walk involves navigating steep staircases that connect the wealthy upper plateau with the densely packed lower neighbourhoods. It is an exploration of architectural evolution, showcasing the transition from primitive caves to elegant Renaissance styling. The atmosphere is slightly more developed and bustling with artisanal shops and cafes.
Murgia Materana Plateau Trail
This awe inspiring ride takes you straight into the heart of the rocky, rugged landscape that faces the ancient city. Cyclists will navigate across the vast limestone plateau, surrounded by low shrubs and wild herbs. The defining feature of this route is the continuous, breathtaking views of the cave districts cascading down the opposite side of the ravine. The terrain can be rocky and requires some effort, but the cinematic vistas are unparalleled. It feels like riding through an ancient, biblical film set.