Sassi of Matera

It is a must "for those coming to Matera" to start the visit from the overview, ie by so-called "lookout" of Murgia Timone, from which it embraces, at a glance, most of Sassi. From here, through easy paths, to the left, it is easy to get to some Rock Churches, among which are distinguished, for the beauty of the preserved frescoes, to landscape, of Our Lady of the Three Doors and San Vito.

Once you reach the city, instead, the suggested route is the one that leads to the Church and Convent of St. Augustine, built in 1591 on the ruins of the ancient monastery (twelfth century) that housed St. William of Vercelli during his visit to St. John of Matera; from the balcony in front, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the Sasso Barisano. In particular, on the right, you can see the Church of San Pietro Barisano and its bell tower with a square base. Going down way Addozio and then descend on the left you find the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, entirely formed in tuff, and Mansion del Casale, excellent example of restoration.

Along Via Madonna of the Virtues, looking up to the right, you can see the Tower Metellana; therefore you reach two rock churches: Santa Maria of the Virtues (with a three internal aisles and as many apses and numerous frescoes, including an eighteenth century crucifixion) and San Nicola dei Greci (which houses frescoes dating from the twelfth to the fourteenth century.

Continuing the journey, is the Church of Saint Lucia to Civita, where a beautiful Renaissance portal. Opposite is the "Civita", real divide between the two Sassi, and the oldest part of the city (it has reason to believe that the first settlement dates back to 2500 a.C.); between the houses, Pomarici stand out the Palace and the remains of the ancient medieval walls. Carrying on, It will reach Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, which it takes its name from the church dating back to the thirteenth century but the original Romanesque structure retains only the bell tower, very similar to that of San Pietro Barisano; the interior, three naves,hides a beautiful fourteenth-century chapel dedicated to St. Anthony.

Passing through the arch to the right of the Church, You arrive at Vico Solitario, where it is staged a typical "cave house" (image of a family life center at the beginning of the century) furnished with period furniture and equipped with work tools.

From here, Long climbs increasingly steep, you may come to the Church, former Monastery, Santa Agata luciae alle Malve (IX-XI century) and the summit of Santa Maria de Idris, where it is located the Church of St John of Monterrone presenting well executed frescoes (XI-century VVIII).
Further upstream, extreme of Caveoso, is the Convicinio of Sant 'Antonio, a complex of four Rocky churches built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, of great historical and architectural interest, and must for the lover of rock civilization.