Matera Murgia Plateau

The Murgia Materana Plateau, located between the cities of Matera and Montescaglioso in Basilicata, is a landscape characterized by a rugged and rocky appearance that hides an unparalleled natural, archaeological, and historical richness. This park, officially known as the Archaeological Historical Natural Park of the Rock Churches of Matera, covers approximately 8,000 hectares and was established in 1990 with the aim of protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of the region. In 2007, part of the park was included in the UNESCO site of the Sassi di Matera, recognized in 1993. The Murgia Materana is famous for its spectacular landscapes: deep canyons, rolling hills, waterfalls, and gorges. This territory is home to various animal species, such as the peregrine falcon, the symbol of the park, and hosts a diverse flora with over 923 botanical species, around a hundred of which are extremely rare. Immersing oneself in this landscape allows one to experience an almost mystical silence, interrupted only by the sound of the stream flowing through the canyon. From an archaeological point of view, the park is a true treasure trove. The numerous caves in the area have been used as shelters since the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, hosting prehistoric villages and human settlements that testify to the region’s long history of habitation. Among the most important sites are the Neolithic villages of Murgecchia, Murgia Timone, and Trasanello, as well as over 150 rock churches dating from the early Middle Ages to the 19th century. These churches, entirely carved into the rock, are true architectural gems, enriched by frescoes of great beauty. One of the most famous rock churches is the Crypt of the Original Sin, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel” of wall painting, with an extraordinary pictorial cycle dating back to the 9th century. Other notable examples include the church of Madonna della Croce, characterized by a single nave, the church of Cappuccino Vecchio with two naves, and the Madonna delle tre Porte with three naves. The park is not only a place of historical and natural interest, but also an area of great cultural value. Matera, the city overlooking the park, was named European Capital of Culture in 2019, highlighting its role as a center of artistic and cultural activities. The surrounding area also offers numerous hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the pristine landscape, combining physical activity with the discovery of archaeological and historical sites. Another significant attraction of the park is the Palomba Sculpture Park, located in Contrada Palomba. This park, created by artist Antonio Paradiso, integrates the rocky landscape with giant stone and iron artworks. In the same area is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba, one of the great Marian sanctuaries in the area, located on a rocky complex overlooking the Gravina di Matera. Among the most visited viewpoints is the Murgia Timone belvedere, from which one can admire the spectacular beauty of the rocky landscape and the Sassi di Matera. From this point, visitors can explore further rock complexes and churches, such as the Madonna delle Tre Porte and Sant’Agnese, located immediately below the belvedere.