Hidden in Southern Italy's Basilicata region is Matera, a truly extraordinary place. It is famous for its bizarre ancient cave houses and temples – “Sassi” – carved out of stones and cliffs. You will also find the history and culture here just magical; a small town with hundreds of treasures, fantastic stories and legends to delight in. Take a look at our top 10 fun facts about Matera, buckle up, and get ready to dive into its unique atmosphere.
Matera Is An Architectural Miracle
The ancient cave houses of Matera were inhabited up until the 1960's, with windows carved into their roofs so that vertical light during summer wouldn't overheat the house. In winter, it would come in at an angle deeper into the grotto, and warm it up.
There was no electricity until the 1930's, therefore did individuals need to make use of candles and lanterns. Another aspect you will notice upon entering one of these stone cave houses is how small it is. "Could an entire family actually fit in here?" one wanders.
The simple answer is, they had no choice. Matera was considered one of the poorest towns in Italy for a very long time, therefore did people have to make due with what they had. Belongings were stored under the high bed, and when there weren’t enough places at the table for the whole family, children had to eat while standing.
The simple answer is, they had no choice. Matera was considered one of the poorest towns in Italy for a very long time, therefore did people have to make due with what they had. Belongings were stored under the high bed, and when there weren’t enough places at the table for the whole family, children had to eat while standing.
Matera Is Known From Paleolithic Times
People were settling in the canyon of the Murgia plateau, which is the territory of Matera nowadays, since at least the Paleolithic age. Although the surroundings don't look cozy or hospitable whatsoever, perhaps, the caves were great sanctuaries from enemies and predators. Till this day, archaeologists still find traces of Paleolithic and Neolithic people in the caves of Matera.
Matera Was Home To An Ancient Italian Tribe
It is known that before the Ancient Greeks and Romans appeared on the territory of contemporary Matera, an ancient Italian tribe called, Lucani, were the ones to dwell here. They were famous for their exceptionally combative nature: if they weren't fighting with their neighbors, they would serve Macedonians as mercenaries.
It Is Still Unknown Who Founded Matera
According to official versions, Matera was inhabited by the Romans in 111 BC, yet some historians claim the town were actually founded by the Ancient Greeks. The town's old coat of arms depicts an ox and wheatears, which were quite common symbols on ancient Greek coins. You can still find a picture of the ox and three wheatears in its mouth on Matera's modern coat of arms along with the motto, “Bos Lassus Firmius Figit Pedem,” which means, “An ox is tired to pull the yoke.” It refers to the events of a few centuries ago when the locals rebelled against enormous taxes and threats from their feudal lords.
Matera is A UNESCO Site
Matera is indeed famous worldwide for its ancient cave houses and churches carved into stone. In 1993, the historical center of the town, Sassi – literally “Stones” – along with its ancient stone temples and frescoes in Byzantine style, became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southern Italy.
Matera Was The First City To Start A Resistance Movement Against The Fascists
Looks like Matera has never been a place for the faint-hearted. During World War II, the locals were the first in Southern Italy to rebel against Germany and Italian fascism. After the war, the city was rewarded with a Military Valor silver medal (Al Valore Militare) to its citizens for “exceptional self-devotion.”
Matera's Cemeteries Are Quite Unusual
In Sassi, the historical center of Matera, will you today notice dozens of gardens built right above the caves. But during the Renaissance times, were this the location of graveyards. It was, in fact, quite a paradoxical solution: people were living under the ground in caves, and buried their dead literally right above them!
Matera Has Its Own Bizarre Festival
Every year on July 2nd, the locals celebrate Festa della Bruna. It starts at 5 a.m. as a “Shepherd procession,” followed by walking through the town with a picture of the Madonna. At noon, locals march through Matera with a Madonna della Bruna statue on a large paper-mache wagon drawn by mules, followed by the Archbishop, the clergy, and “Knights della Bruna,” in iron armor. At the end of the march they leave the wagon at Vittorio Veneto Square, where the locals tear it apart and take the pieces home – it is believed the pieces will bring them good luck.
You Might Have Seen Matera In The Movies
It is no surprise that Matera is famous for its unusual ancient look, which reminds one of a biblical description of Jerusalem, and has been attracting movie directors since forever. The town starred in quite a few dramas that you might want to watch before your visit. To name but a few: The Gospel According to St. Matthew by Pier Pasolini (1964), Christ Stopped at Eboli by Francesco Rosi (1979), King David by Bruce Beresford (1985), The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson (2004), The Omen by John Moore (2006) and Ben-Hur by Timur Bekmambetov (2016).
Matera's Name Is Still A Mystery
There is no common opinion regarding Matera's name, yet there are a few versions and ideas. It might have derived from the word “Mata,” which means, “A pile of stones,” or “Meteoron” (“Starry sky,” because at night the cave houses of the town, lightened from inside, looked like a starry sky), “Madre terra” (“Mother Earth”), “Matterah” (“Prison”), or Terah (“Clear water”). Why don't you choose your favorite?
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