Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Piazza Vittorio Veneto Matera: Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Highlights

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: History and Cultural Significance

At the heart of Matera, one of Italy’s most storied cities, lies Piazza Vittorio Veneto—a vibrant square that bridges the ancient and the modern. Though younger than the famed Sassi cave districts, the piazza is central to Matera’s ongoing narrative of transformation. Originally developed as a crossroads linking the ancient Civita hilltop settlement with expanding urban areas, the piazza signaled a new era in Matera’s city planning and mirrored the rising national spirit following Italian unification. Named for Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy, the square embodies the city’s dual embrace of tradition and progress.

Architecturally, Piazza Vittorio Veneto is a showcase of 18th- and 19th-century palazzi, arcades, and civic buildings, most notably the Baroque Palazzo dell’Annunziata. Beneath its surface, a network of ancient cisterns—including the vast Palombaro Lungo—attests to Matera’s ingenuity in water management and rock-cut engineering. The piazza’s proximity to the UNESCO-listed Sassi districts further cements its role as a cultural and social crossroads, linking the city’s ancient past with its vibrant present. Today, Piazza Vittorio Veneto bustles with festivals, markets, and gatherings, offering panoramic viewpoints over the labyrinth of cave dwellings below and serving as an ideal starting point for exploring Matera’s rich heritage (Evendo; SassiWeb; Matera Tourism; Italia Like a Local).

San Domenico church in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Matera

Origins and Early Development
Architectural Highlights and Urban Significance
Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the Sassi: Historical Nexus
Decline, Rediscovery, and UNESCO Recognition
Modern Renaissance and Contemporary Life
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Key Features and Top Sights
Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips and FAQs
Summary and Travel Recommendations
References

Origins and Early Development

Piazza Vittorio Veneto emerged as Matera’s central urban space during the city’s 19th-century expansion. Originally a crossroads between the Civita and the growing “piano” (upper town), it signaled a move towards modern urban design. The piazza’s evolution from “Piazza del Plebiscito” and “Piazza della Fontana” (named after the 1832 Ferdinandea Fountain) reflects its longstanding role as a gathering place for Materans (SassiWeb).

Architectural Highlights and Urban Significance

Bordered by 18th- and 19th-century palazzi, the square’s architecture is a blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and medieval styles. Noteworthy landmarks include:

Palazzo dell’Annunziata: An 18th-century Baroque former convent, now home to the Provincial Library Tommaso Stigliani. Its symmetrical façade and arched windows are prime examples of southern Italian Baroque.
Palazzo del Governo and Church of San Domenico: The northern edge features Matera’s prefecture and the Romanesque San Domenico church (1230) with its iconic rose window.
Fontana Ferdinandea: The neoclassical fountain in the south sector, a historic social hub.
Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio (Tre Archi): This panoramic terrace at the piazza’s edge provides sweeping views over the Sassi (Italia Like a Local).

Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the Sassi: Historical Nexus

The piazza is a symbolic and literal bridge between Matera’s modern city and its ancient Sassi districts—Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. In the mid-20th century, the Sassi became synonymous with poverty, leading to government-ordered evacuations. While the Sassi languished, Piazza Vittorio Veneto remained a central civic space, reinforcing the city’s evolving identity (Its All Trip To Me).

Decline, Rediscovery, and UNESCO Recognition

Following the Sassi’s evacuation, Matera’s historic core—including the piazza—experienced neglect. In the 1980s and 1990s, renewed interest led to major restoration projects. The Sassi were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, sparking revitalization efforts that restored the piazza as a communal and tourist hub (UNESCO; SassiWeb).

Modern Renaissance and Contemporary Life

Today, Piazza Vittorio Veneto is a lively center for festivals, concerts, and public events, especially following Matera’s selection as the 2019 European Capital of Culture. Cafés, gelaterias, and restaurants line the square, offering local delicacies and views of the Sassi. The piazza’s transformation—from a boundary marking social divides to a vibrant cultural hub—reflects Matera’s broader renaissance (Matera Tourism; Earth Trekkers).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Hours

Piazza Vittorio Veneto: Open 24/7.
Palazzo dell’Annunziata (Library): Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Palombaro Lungo (Underground Cistern): Guided tours daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
San Domenico Church: Open during mornings and early afternoons; hours may vary during religious events.

Tickets

Piazza: Free entry.
Palombaro Lungo: ~€5 adults; discounts for children and seniors. Booking recommended.
Guided Tours: Available for Sassi districts and hypogea; check local agencies or the Matera Tourism Office (SassiWeb).

Accessibility

The piazza is flat and pedestrianized, with ramps at entry points.
Some Sassi areas and underground tours may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Check with the Tourist Information Office for the latest accessibility details.

Getting There

By train: 6-min walk from Matera Centrale station.
By bus: Multiple lines stop nearby.
By car: Parking lots available within walking distance.

Key Features and Top Sights

Palombaro Lungo

A vast 16th-century underground cistern beneath the square, Palombaro Lungo is a testament to Matera’s water management ingenuity. Guided tours reveal its “negative architecture” and atmospheric stone pillars (Palombaro Lungo).

Chiesa di San Domenico

This 13th-century church features a beautiful rose window and a blend of Romanesque and Baroque elements.

Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio (Tre Archi)

The square’s scenic terrace provides one of Matera’s most iconic views over Sasso Barisano and the cathedral.

Local Gastronomy

The piazza is a popular spot for traditional Lucanian cuisine. Sample Matera bread, orecchiette pasta, and regional wines at cafés and restaurants overlooking the Sassi (Foods to Try in Matera).

Nearby Attractions

Sassi di Matera: The UNESCO-listed cave districts, easily accessed via stairways from the piazza.
Casa Noha: Interpretive center on Matera’s transformation.
Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna (Palazzo Lanfranchi): Regional art and history.
Belvedere di Murgia Timone: Panoramic views of Matera and the Sassi.
Ponte Tibetano della Gravina: Suspension bridge across the canyon for adventurous visitors.
Local artisan shops: Ceramics, crafts, and food specialties.

Visitor Tips and FAQs

Tips

Wear comfortable shoes—Matera’s terrain is hilly and uneven.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds.
For special events (e.g., Madonna della Bruna festival, July 2), arrive early for the best experience.
Stay in a cave hotel for a unique overnight experience (Where to Stay in Matera).

FAQs

Q: Is there an entrance fee to the piazza?
A: No, the piazza is free. Some attractions like Palombaro Lungo require tickets.

Q: How do I book tours?
A: Online via official tourism websites or at the Tourist Information Office.

Q: Is the piazza wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, but some Sassi areas may be difficult for wheelchairs.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Q: Are there public transport options?
A: Yes, both trains and buses connect to the city center.

Summary and Travel Recommendations

Piazza Vittorio Veneto is the vibrant gateway to Matera’s ancient wonders, offering architectural splendor, panoramic views, and an immersive social scene. Its transformation from a boundary of social divides to a celebrated cultural center mirrors Matera’s own rebirth. Explore historic landmarks, descend into remarkable underground cisterns, and savor local cuisine while soaking in the panoramic vistas of the Sassi. For the latest visiting hours, tickets, and event updates, consult the official Matera tourism resources and consider downloading the Audiala app for personalized guides and itineraries.