The house was continuously inhabited by the same family until the 1950s, when the government mandated the evacuation of the Sassi for health and sanitation reasons.
The layout features the 'stalla' (stable) located immediately inside the entrance, which served as a natural heating source for the living quarters through the body heat of the animals.
A small cistern carved into the floor of the dwelling demonstrates the historical reliance on rainwater harvesting systems essential for life in the limestone caves.
The furniture and kitchenware on display are not reproductions but authentic items salvaged from original Sassi households from the early 20th century.
The dwelling reflects the 'vertical' hierarchy of the Sassi, where individual caves were often stacked or shared walls with neighbors to conserve heat and structural integrity.
Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo is an ethnographic museum housed within an authentic cave dwelling in the Rione Casalnuovo district of Matera. It preserves the traditional lifestyle of the Sassi di Matera inhabitants before the forced relocation programs of the 1950s. The site is carved directly into the calcarenite rock face, showcasing a domestic environment where families lived alongside their livestock. The exhibition displays original period tools, household utensils, and furniture representative of agrarian peasant life. It highlights the specific social and architectural challenges of the 'Sassi' environment, including water management and living in tight proximity to animals. The space provides a tangible contrast to the modernized tourist infrastructure of contemporary Matera.
The entrance threshold, which frames the transition from the bright, sun-drenched street into the dark, textured interior of the cave.
Wear footwear with high-traction soles, as the original stone floors can be uneven and occasionally slippery.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Rione Casalnuovo for views of the canyon.
Carry a lightweight jacket even in summer, as the interior temperature of the cave remains cool regardless of external weather.
Avoid entering during peak midday heat if you struggle with confined, dimly lit spaces, as the museum is a genuine cave dwelling.
Avoid touching the historic artifacts and maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor to honor the history of the site as a former family residence.
