Sasso Caveoso was historically categorized by its exposure to the south, allowing for better sun exposure compared to the north-facing Sasso Barisano.
The district served as a primary filming location for various biblical-themed films, including Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ'.
Many of the cave houses, known as 'lamioni', were excavated into the soft 'calcarenite' rock, often called 'tufo' by locals.
Before the 1950s evacuation, it was common for human families and their livestock to live together in the same single-room cave dwelling.
The Church of San Pietro Caveoso dates back to the 13th century, though its current facade reflects 17th-century baroque renovations.
Some dwellings contain complex water collection systems, as the caves were historically isolated from external water sources.
The entire Sassi district was once dubbed 'The Shame of Italy' by Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi due to the extreme poverty levels documented in the 1940s.
Despite its abandonment, many of the caves contain remnants of Byzantine-era rock-hewn frescoes.
Sasso Caveoso is one of the two primary districts forming the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the limestone ravines. Historically known as the 'district of the caves,' it is distinguished from its counterpart, Sasso Barisano, by its largely unrenovated, amphitheater-like layout. Many of these dwellings were inhabited from the Paleolithic era until the mid-20th century, when the government forcibly relocated residents due to extreme poverty and lack of sanitation. Following the 'Matera Law' of the 1950s, the district underwent significant restoration and repurposing into boutique hotels, museums, and galleries. The architecture consists of a dense network of terraced houses, where the roof of one dwelling often serves as the street or walkway for the one above. The area is dominated by the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, which occupies a dramatic position overlooking the Gravina ravine. Visitors navigate the district via a steep, labyrinthine system of stairs and narrow alleyways. The preservation efforts aim to maintain the site's authentic aesthetic while adapting the historic structures for modern sustainable tourism.
From the terrace near the Church of San Pietro Caveoso looking back toward the tiered cave dwellings.
Wear sturdy, rubber-soled walking shoes with excellent grip to navigate the slippery, uneven limestone paths.
Carry a light backpack instead of rolling luggage, as the stairs make wheeled bags impossible to manage.
Visit during the 'Golden Hour' to see the soft limestone turn a warm, honey color.
Avoid relying on GPS navigation, as the complex, multi-level layout of stairways often confuses digital maps, leading to dead ends.
Respect private property signs as many caves are still being renovated or are now private homes; avoid photographing inside local residences without permission.
