Cistern House

Immersed in the heart of the Sassi di Matera, Casa Cisterna represents one of the most fascinating examples of troglodytic life that characterizes this ancient city. Casa Cisterna is a living testimony of the extraordinary adaptability of the inhabitants of Matera, who for centuries have exploited the natural resources of the territory to survive. The history of Casa Cisterna begins with its primary function: collecting rainwater. In an area where water was a precious and scarce resource, cisterns were essential for the community’s survival. These underground tanks, carved into the tuff, allowed rainwater to be stored, filtered through a complex system of channels, to be used during periods of drought. The house cistern, in addition to being an example of ancient hydraulic engineering, is a symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of the Sassi’s inhabitants. A visit to Casa Cisterna offers a journey into the past, allowing visitors to explore the original environments furnished with period furniture and utensils. This journey through time reveals how, until the 1950s, large families lived in these cave houses, sharing space with pets in often difficult conditions, without heating, running water, and with minimal ventilation. The layout of the spaces was functional to daily life: the water cistern, the mill for grinding wheat, the manure pit, and the rooms for family life. The discovery of Casa Cisterna, during the recovery operations of the Sassi in the 1990s, brought to light an important piece of Matera’s history. This cave house, like many others in the Sassi, had been abandoned during the forced evacuations of the 1950s, when the Italian government decided to move the inhabitants to new housing to improve their living conditions. These relocations marked a period of great transformation for the city, but also the temporary loss of an invaluable cultural heritage. Today, Casa Cisterna is a living museum that attracts visitors from all over the world, fascinated by the history and culture of the Sassi di Matera. Its visit is not only an educational experience but also a moment of reflection on the harsh living conditions of the past and the extraordinary adaptability of human beings. The rooms furnished with original objects tell stories of daily life, hard work, and supportive communities. One of the most surprising aspects of Casa Cisterna is its natural acoustics. The tuff walls and cave structure create an environment with a unique echo, making any event held inside it unique. This aspect has transformed the house into an ideal place not only for tourist visits but also for cultural and musical events, further enhancing the historical and artistic heritage of the site. The redevelopment of Casa Cisterna has also had an important political and social impact. The recovery of the Sassi, and in particular of cave houses like this one, has been a successful example of how historical heritage can be valued and transformed into a resource for the community. This process has involved not only local and national authorities but also the international community, which has recognized the importance of preserving and promoting a site of such historical and cultural value.