Casa Cava

Casa Cava Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide: Matera, Italy Historical Sites

Date of Publication: 14/06/2025

Discover Casa Cava: History, Visitor Info, and Travel Tips

Hidden in the labyrinthine heart of Matera’s Sassi, Casa Cava is a testament to the city’s ability to transform ancient spaces into vibrant cultural venues. Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its Sassi districts—cave dwellings carved into the limestone of the Murgia plateau, representing one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited human settlements (UNESCO; Wikipedia). Casa Cava, originally a 16th-century tufa quarry, was abandoned for centuries before being meticulously restored into a multifunctional underground cultural center (Casa Cava Official Site; Matera Welcome). This unique venue merges natural acoustics, historic architecture, and contemporary cultural programming, offering an immersive experience for all visitors.

This detailed guide offers everything you need to plan your visit to Casa Cava and the surrounding Matera historical sites, including opening hours, ticket options, accessibility, guided tours, and practical tips. You’ll also find insights into Casa Cava’s restoration, its role in Matera’s cultural revival, nearby attractions, and recommendations for making the most of your stay. Whether you’re passionate about history, architecture, or culture, Casa Cava is a must-see highlight within Italy’s evocative southern landscape (Matera Congressi; Puglia Guys).

Origins and Historical Context of Matera and the Sassi
Casa Cava: From Quarry to Cultural Landmark
Visiting Casa Cava: Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Architectural Highlights and Spatial Features
Event Programming and Cultural Significance
How to Get to Casa Cava
Practical Tips for a Successful Visit
Nearby Attractions in Matera
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact Information
Plan Your Visit: Summary and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Origins and Historical Context of Matera and the Sassi

Matera, located in Basilicata in southern Italy, is famed for the Sassi districts—Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. These areas are among the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlements, with origins stretching back to the Paleolithic period (UNESCO; Wikipedia). Over millennia, natural caves were expanded and adapted, evolving into intricate networks of homes, churches, and communal spaces. The Sassi’s architecture is defined by its integration into the rocky landscape, with buildings stacked atop one another and interwoven by alleyways and staircases.

The Sassi also reflect the resilience of Matera’s inhabitants. Ingenious water management and adaptation to the semi-arid environment led to the creation of rock-cut cisterns and sophisticated systems for collecting and distributing water (UNESCO). Over the centuries, the Sassi became centers of religious, cultural, and social life, featuring dozens of rupestrian (rock-hewn) churches adorned with frescoes.

By the mid-20th century, the Sassi were associated with poverty and substandard living conditions, prompting government relocation programs. However, beginning in the 1980s, restoration initiatives—supported by the Italian government, the EU, and UNESCO—revitalized the area. In 1993, the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as an outstanding example of a human settlement perfectly adapted to its environment (UNESCO).

Casa Cava: From Quarry to Cultural Landmark

Casa Cava is a remarkable example of Matera’s adaptive reuse of ancient spaces. Located in Sasso Barisano, it began as a 16th-century tufa quarry excavated beneath a residential dwelling (Matera Welcome). Over time, it was abandoned and at one point used as a landfill before its rediscovery and restoration, led by the Ufficio Sassi of the Comune di Matera and architect Renato Lamacchia.

Restored in 2011, Casa Cava preserves the quarry’s unique architecture while introducing modern amenities. Today, it serves as a cultural center, hosting concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and workshops. The venue’s exceptional acoustics and atmospheric setting make it a premier location for performances and community events (Casa Cava Official Site). Casa Cava’s restoration has received international acclaim, including a special mention at Marmomacc 2013, Europe’s leading fair for marble and stone masonry (Matera Welcome).

Visiting Casa Cava: Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Opening Hours

Generally Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and certain public holidays
Note: Hours may vary during special events. Always check the official Casa Cava website or contact the venue in advance.

Ticket Information

Standard Ticket: €3
Reduced Ticket: €2 (FAI members, visitors with authorized tour guides)
School Groups: €1.50 per student
Free Admission: Children under 14, teachers with MIUR documentation, visitors with disabilities

Tickets are usually purchased on-site. While online booking is not always available, guided tours can be arranged for groups or special events (Casa Cava Official Site).

Guided Tours

Languages: Italian and English
Booking: Recommended in advance, especially for groups and during peak seasons
Experience: Guided tours cover the history, architecture, and cultural programming of Casa Cava, enhancing your visit (Everysteph).

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

Casa Cava is committed to accessibility, though its cave architecture presents some challenges:

Best Access: Enter via Via D’Addozio for the most accessible route.
Mobility: Some interior areas have uneven floors and steps. Ramps and pathways have been added, but visitors with limited mobility should contact the venue in advance.
Facilities: Restrooms are available on-site.
Climate: The underground environment is naturally cool, making visits comfortable year-round.

Architectural Highlights and Spatial Features

Casa Cava spans approximately 900 square meters, comprising 9–10 interconnected spaces carved from soft tufa rock (Matera Congressi). The design maintains the original quarry’s vertical and horizontal voids, creating a labyrinthine network reminiscent of Matera’s cave dwellings.

Key Features:

Auditorium: Seats up to 140, renowned for its acoustics and atmospheric setting.
Exhibition Spaces: Chambers host rotating art exhibitions and multimedia installations.
Workshop Rooms: Used for educational activities and creative workshops.
Cafeteria: Provides refreshments for visitors and event attendees.
Courtyards: Three open-air courtyards bring light and ventilation to the underground spaces.

Modern lighting, projection, and sound systems are seamlessly integrated, preserving the authenticity of the ancient stonework (Matera Congressi).

Event Programming and Cultural Significance

Casa Cava is a vibrant center for Matera’s cultural life. It regularly hosts:

Concerts: Featuring a range of genres, from classical to contemporary, leveraging the venue’s unique acoustics.
Art Exhibitions: Showcasing local and international artists.
Workshops and Educational Programs: Fostering community engagement and creativity.
Conferences and Public Events: Supporting dialogue and innovation in the arts and culture sectors.

The site’s transformation from a disused quarry to a creative hub exemplifies Matera’s broader story of renewal and community-driven heritage management (Puglia Guys).

How to Get to Casa Cava

Address: Via S. Pietro Barisano, 47, Sasso Barisano, 75100 Matera, Italy

Arriving by Car: Park outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone); walk about 10–15 minutes to Casa Cava.
On Foot: Follow Via D’Addozio, then continue along Via San Pietro Barisano. After passing the Church of San Pietro Barisano, Casa Cava’s entrance will be on your right (Is Assi di Matera).
For Visitors with Limited Mobility: Enter via Via D’Addozio for easier access.

Practical Tips for a Successful Visit

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and an active cultural calendar.
Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes; floors and paths can be uneven.
What to Bring: A light jacket (the cave is cool year-round), a camera (check event rules for flash photography), and, optionally, a flashlight.
Advance Planning: Check the event schedule and book guided tours if desired.
Language: Most signage is in Italian; guided tours in English are available by arrangement.

Nearby Attractions in Matera

Casa Cava’s location is perfect for exploring:

Church of San Pietro Barisano: A historic rock-hewn church just steps away (The Geographical Cure).
Sassi di Matera: Wander the UNESCO-listed cave districts on foot.
Boutique Cave Hotels and Restaurants: Experience Matera’s hospitality in unique settings (Tripjive).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Casa Cava’s opening hours?
A: Typically Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00. Verify on the official website for changes during special events.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Standard €3, reduced €2, free for children under 14 and visitors with disabilities.

Q: Is Casa Cava accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: The entrance from Via D’Addozio is more accessible. Some interior areas are uneven; contact the venue to discuss specific needs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Italian and English, often included in larger Sassi tours. Book in advance for groups.

Q: Can I take photos inside Casa Cava?
A: Photography is generally allowed, but check for restrictions during events.

Contact Information

Address: Via S. Pietro Barisano, 47, 75100 Matera, Italy (Il Tacco di Bacco)
Phone: +39 0835 336733
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.casacava.it
Event Listings: Matera Welcome Events calendar

Plan Your Visit: Summary and Recommendations

Casa Cava is a model of how ancient heritage and modern culture can coexist. Its restoration demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse, while its diverse programming brings together locals and visitors in celebration of Matera’s unique spirit. With accessible facilities, guided tours, and dynamic events, Casa Cava is a pivotal stop in Matera’s remarkable Sassi district.

Visitor Recommendations:

Check the official website for up-to-date hours and event listings.
Book guided tours or event tickets in advance during high season.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides, virtual tours, and extra content.
Explore nearby Sassi attractions and dine in cave restaurants for a complete Matera experience.

Sources and Further Reading

By exploring Casa Cava, you are not only witnessing a marvel of historical architecture but also participating in the ongoing story of Matera’s cultural and community renewal.