Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

The Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera is a protected area at the heart of Basilicata, southern Italy, encompassing over 150 rock-cut churches, monasteries, and hermitages carved into the ravine landscape of the Murgia over more than a thousand years.

What are rupestrian churches?

The word "rupestrian" refers to spaces carved or decorated within natural rock. In Matera, hermits and monks began establishing places of worship in the early Middle Ages, and this tradition continued into the 19th century. Successive generations added frescoes, sculptures, and chapels, building up a layered religious and artistic heritage unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

What will you see?

The most celebrated site in the park is the Crypt of the Original Sin, a Longobard-era cave church whose fresco cycle covering the walls and ceiling has earned it the nickname "the Sistine Chapel of rock churches." The paintings rank among the finest preserved early medieval frescoes in southern Italy.

San Falcione is one of the oldest rupestrian churches in the area — a space carved entirely from the living rock, its interior still decorated with 9th-century frescoes. Close by, San Pietro Barisano holds the title of the largest cave church in Matera, with a spacious interior spanning multiple levels cut into the hillside.

The park itself stretches across the Murgia Materana plateau on the right bank of the Gravina gorge — a bare, windswept highland divided by deep ravines. This landscape shaped human settlement here for millennia and today gives the site its distinctive character.

Historical significance

The Sassi di Matera and the rupestrian churches park were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993, recognized as the most complete and intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the entire Mediterranean region. Human presence at the site dates back at least 9,000 years, placing Matera among the oldest continuously inhabited urban centers in the world.

When and how to visit

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the most comfortable seasons for exploring the park on foot. Summer heat in Basilicata can be intense. The park grounds are open year-round and free to enter; individual churches and the Crypt of the Original Sin have separate admission fees, and the Crypt requires advance reservation.

Matera is served by FAL trains from Bari and Altamura and by national coach services. The nearest airports are Bari Karol Wojtyla (about 65 km away) and Potenza. From the historic center, the park is reachable on foot through the Sassi neighborhoods. A guided tour is strongly recommended — many churches are unmarked and hard to locate without local knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for the park? Access to the Murgia Materana park territory is free. Individual churches and the Crypt of the Original Sin charge separate admission fees; the Crypt also requires advance booking.

How much time is needed? Allow at least half a day for the main cave churches in the Sassi area. A full day is needed to explore the Murgia plateau and visit the Crypt of the Original Sin.

Is the park suitable for families with children? Yes. The rupestrian churches within the Sassi neighborhoods are easily accessible. Trails on the Murgia plateau require sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.

Do I need to book in advance? Booking ahead is required for the Crypt of the Original Sin, which has limited daily capacity. Reserve at least a few days in advance during the high season from June through September.