Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera

I will ignore in my rating that it was mid august and totally crowded when I was there. I am sure if you go off the big holiday season that is an even more exceptional experience. You can see that they don't only make money with it, but it is kept in excellent condition just like the whole historical center itself and has very friendly staff all around. The audio guides are well done and available in many languages but I would have appreciated more information out of them. I guess especially during high season they don't want people to spend too much time in each room so they have space for more visitors. All in all I consider it a "Must do" when you visit Matera.

Very interesting reconstruction of life and objects in Sassi di Matera. It is amazing that this was not so long ago. It consists of 3 parts, of which only the living room and the natural refrigerator are worth seeing. There is a paid entrance fee of 5 euros for which you get a recorded audio guide through your phone, which is quite crazy, but it is what it is.

We visited a traditional cave dwelling in the Sassi Caveoso area, and it was definitely worth the stop. Although we had to wait a few minutes before entering, the staff was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience feel relaxed and unhurried. The visit offers a fascinating glimpse into how people lived in these caves until the 1950s. It’s quite remarkable—and a little humbling—to see how entire families shared these spaces not only with each other but also with their animals, including chickens and even horses. The interior has been thoughtfully restored and laid out, with everyday objects and furniture that help bring the past to life. While you may have read about this part of Matera’s history, standing inside the cave really gives it a whole new dimension. It’s something else entirely to physically be in the space and imagine what daily life was like. A short but meaningful visit that adds depth to your understanding of Matera’s unique heritage.

A Fascinating Step Back in Time - A Must-See in Matera. Visiting the Casa Grotta nei Sassi was a truly eye-opening experience. It's an amazing place to discover what a traditional peasant home looked like, and it's incredible to think that families lived this way until they were relocated in the 1950s. The recreation is very well done and gives you a powerful feel for their daily life. What makes this a fantastic value is that the same ticket also gives you access to two other nearby sites: an ancient snow cave used for storing ice and a small cave church that was later converted into a dwelling. This is an absolute must-see when you are in the area. It doesn't take long to visit, but it provides incredible context for understanding the unique history of the Sassi. Highly recommended.

Unique experience inside the cave, very interesting to find the cellar temperature cold even without any closed doors

Wonderful guide who took the time to answer our questions at Casa Grotto. Much like life in Finland at the same time. Of course, people didn't live in caves in Finland. Interesting history. No queues.

It was fascinating to see how people once lived in Matera, sharing their homes with animals and even preserving ice from winter through the summer

Very beautiful, the biggest attraction of Matera, Cassa grotta and Madonna de Idris e San Giovani in Monterronne. I highly recommend it.