House Cave

In the heart of Matera, immersed in the timeless charm of the Sassi, lies Casa Cava, a place that combines history, art, and innovation. Casa Cava is an extraordinary example of how the past can be reinvented for the present and the future, transforming an ancient tuff quarry into a versatile cultural center of international relevance. The origin of Casa Cava dates back to the period when tuff quarries were an integral part of daily life in Matera. Used to extract the material needed for building houses, these quarries were later abandoned and forgotten for many years. However, in the 1990s, thanks to the vision of architect Pietro Laureano, Casa Cava was brought to light and transformed into an innovative space dedicated to culture and art. The structure of Casa Cava is a perfect example of bioarchitecture, harnessing the natural characteristics of tuff to create a unique environment. The interior spaces, with their organic shapes and irregular surfaces, offer exceptional acoustics, making Casa Cava ideal for concerts, conferences, and theatrical performances. The lighting, designed to enhance the natural features of the stone, creates a suggestive atmosphere that immediately captures the attention of visitors. From a historical perspective, Casa Cava represents a bridge between past and present. Its origins as a tuff quarry intertwine with the history of Matera, a city that has reinvented itself over the centuries. After a long period of decline, culminating in the 1950s with the forced evacuation of the Sassi due to precarious hygienic conditions, Matera experienced a cultural and tourist renaissance, culminating in 2019 with the designation as European Capital of Culture. Casa Cava is a symbol of this rebirth, a place where contemporary culture finds space in a unique historical context. Every year, Casa Cava hosts numerous events, including festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural meetings, attracting artists and visitors from around the world. This blend of ancient and modern makes Casa Cava a dynamic and lively place, capable of offering unforgettable experiences to anyone who crosses its threshold. The artistic importance of Casa Cava is underlined by the presence of contemporary artworks that interact with the quarry’s architecture. These artistic interventions, often site-specific, enhance the unique characteristics of the space, creating a harmonious blend of art and architecture. Among the most significant works are the light installations that, exploiting the particular conformation of the environments, create plays of light and shadow that continuously transform the space. An interesting anecdote concerns the acoustics of Casa Cava, which has been creatively utilized during various concerts and musical events. The particular conformation of the spaces, with their irregular surfaces and natural tuff curvatures, creates a unique acoustics that remarkably enhances musical performances. This characteristic has made Casa Cava a sought-after location for musicians and artists seeking a place with an unparalleled atmosphere and sound.