Casa Cava
Explore Casa Cava, a unique cultural center in Matera's ancient tufa quarry, offering live music, historical exhibits, and a glimpse into cave living.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Casa Cava
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Casa Cava, a unique cultural center in Matera's ancient tufa quarry, offering live music, historical exhibits, and a glimpse into cave living.
"Casa Cava is a very good visit! Well maintained and very clean, used for conferences (inside a cave!!), I think is a great idea."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Matera's Sassi are hilly with uneven paths. You'll be doing a lot of walking! :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets in Advance
For popular sites like Casa Cava and cave churches, booking ahead ensures entry and saves time. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Casa Cava's Underground Ambiance
Matera, Italy
Explore a unique cultural center within a former tufa quarry, hosting live music and historical exhibits.
Matera's Sassi Districts
Matera, Italy
Wander through ancient cave dwellings, a UNESCO site offering a glimpse into millennia of human history.

Cave Churches of Matera
Murgia Materana Park
Discover ancient rock-hewn churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes, a testament to early Christian life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Matera's Cave Wonders
Embrace the Sassi's Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Matera's Sassi are hilly with uneven paths. You'll be doing a lot of walking! :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets in Advance
For popular sites like Casa Cava and cave churches, booking ahead ensures entry and saves time. :admission_tickets:
Explore Beyond Casa Cava
Matera is a city of caves! Don't miss the Sassi districts and the ancient cave churches. :world_map:
Stay in a Cave
Experience Matera fully by staying in a renovated cave apartment for a unique night. :bed:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Matera's Sassi are hilly with uneven paths. You'll be doing a lot of walking! :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets in Advance
For popular sites like Casa Cava and cave churches, booking ahead ensures entry and saves time. :admission_tickets:
Explore Beyond Casa Cava
Matera is a city of caves! Don't miss the Sassi districts and the ancient cave churches. :world_map:
Stay in a Cave
Experience Matera fully by staying in a renovated cave apartment for a unique night. :bed:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Casa Cava is praised as a brilliant and well-maintained cultural center within a unique cave setting, ideal for speeches and events. Visitors appreciate the historical insights and the charming atmosphere of Matera. However, some find it to be a small venue primarily showing a documentary, suggesting other 'casa' experiences might offer more.
"It is an amazing place to make speeches. The cave is well maintained and the decision to use the cave as conference room is brilliant! The town is also wonderful for a long walk. This is one marked city in my heart. Highly recommended."
XW H.
"This place is a very good visit!
Well maintained and very clean, used for conferences (inside a cave!!), I think is a great idea.
Casa cava is a cave very small but cute. Highly recommended to visit if you are in Matera which is wonderful and must visit once in a lifetime. It has a place in my heart.
Also the staff is brilliant and very welcoming, thanks a lot!!"
Vic
"It isbgood to know and listen more about Matera, you will learn things you did not know."
Guillermo Guagliardo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa Cava is located in Matera, Italy. If arriving by air, the nearest major airport is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI). From Bari, you can take a bus or train to Matera. Many visitors also use Matera as part of a larger Puglia road trip, with routes from cities like Rome and Naples.
Matera's historic center, the Sassi, is a UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by its ancient cave dwellings. While beautiful, it involves many steps and uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Driving directly into the Sassi districts can be challenging due to ZTL (limited traffic zones) and narrow streets. It's often best to park outside the historic center and explore on foot.
The best way to explore the Sassi is on foot, allowing you to discover hidden alleys and breathtaking viewpoints. Consider guided tours to learn more about the history and architecture.
While walking is the primary mode of transport within the Sassi, there are local buses that can help you navigate between different parts of the city, especially if you have mobility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Casa Cava functions as a cultural center and often hosts events. While entry might be free for general exploration, specific exhibitions or performances may require tickets. It's advisable to check their official schedule or inquire locally.
The cost for Casa Cava can vary depending on whether there's a special exhibition or event. Some reviews suggest a small fee for a documentary, around 4 euros. It's best to confirm current pricing on-site or their official channels.
Opening hours for Casa Cava can vary, especially as it's a cultural center that hosts events. It's recommended to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any scheduled closures.
Yes, many of the cave churches within the Sassi and the Murgia Materana Park require a ticket for entry. These are often part of a combined ticket or can be purchased individually.
Tickets for Matera's attractions, including cave churches and museums, can typically be purchased at the site itself, at local tourist information offices, or sometimes online through official websites.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Casa Cava is a unique cultural center located in a former tufa quarry. It's known for its atmospheric underground spaces, often used for live music performances, conferences, and historical exhibits about Matera.
Inside Casa Cava, you can experience the impressive architecture of the former quarry. Reviews mention it's used for conferences and sometimes shows a documentary about Matera's history.
Absolutely! Casa Cava is frequently used as a venue for speeches, conferences, and live gigs due to its unique underground setting. The acoustics and ambiance are often praised.
Casa Cava is situated within a former tufa quarry, a material extensively used in the construction of Matera's ancient cave dwellings. It offers a tangible connection to the city's long history of subterranean living and architecture.
Beyond Casa Cava, you must explore the Sassi di Matera (cave dwellings), the Duomo di Matera (cathedral with a view), and the Palombaro Lungo (underground water cistern). The Murgia Materana Park offers stunning views and more cave churches.
📸 📸 Photography
For incredible photos, head to the viewpoints overlooking the Sassi, especially during sunrise or sunset. The narrow alleys, cave entrances, and the Duomo di Matera offer endless photographic opportunities.
Photography rules can vary inside Casa Cava, especially during events. Generally, for personal use, it's often permitted, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions or ask staff.
The 'golden hour' just after sunrise and before sunset provides the most magical light for photographing Matera's ancient stone structures. Midday can be harsh, but offers good visibility.
The exterior of Casa Cava, blending into the Matera landscape, can be photogenic. Inside, the unique cave architecture itself offers a distinct photographic subject, especially if there's an event or exhibition.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views of the Sassi. A versatile zoom lens is useful for street photography in the alleys. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots, especially at dusk or dawn.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for family-friendly accommodations, some of which are renovated cave apartments that kids find incredibly exciting. The sheer novelty of living in a cave can be a highlight of the trip. Ensure everyone has comfortable shoes, and plan for breaks, as the exploration can be tiring for little legs.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Engaging with local culture is easy here, whether through attending an event at Casa Cava or simply enjoying a meal in a local trattoria. The city's compact nature makes it easy to navigate independently, and the friendly atmosphere makes it a comfortable place to explore on your own.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Plan to shoot during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Explore the various viewpoints overlooking the Sassi for breathtaking wide shots. Don't forget to capture the intricate details of the cave dwellings and the textures of the ancient stone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Matera's Cave Dwellings
In the mid-20th century, the Sassi were considered a national shame due to poor living conditions, lacking basic amenities like running water and electricity. This led to a government-led relocation of residents in the 1950s. However, a remarkable revitalization effort began in the late 20th century, transforming the Sassi into a unique tourist destination. Today, many caves have been beautifully restored into homes, hotels, restaurants, and cultural spaces like Casa Cava.
Casa Cava itself is a testament to this history, being located within a former tufa quarry. It showcases how these natural formations were ingeniously utilized for human habitation and activity. Visiting Casa Cava offers a direct connection to Matera's deep past and its incredible transformation.
Experiencing Casa Cava: More Than Just a Cave
While some visitors note that it primarily functions as a cultural center, often showing a documentary about Matera's history, this experience is still highly valued by many. The documentary offers insights into the city's past, and the clean facilities are appreciated. It's a place to learn and absorb the essence of Matera in a truly distinctive environment.
For those interested in the arts and local history, Casa Cava offers a memorable experience. It's a space that bridges the ancient past with contemporary cultural life, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Matera's unique heritage.
Navigating Matera's Terrain and Accessibility
While the historic nature of the Sassi presents accessibility challenges, efforts have been made to improve access. Some main routes are more manageable, and there are local buses that can help connect different parts of the city. However, be prepared for a significant amount of walking and inclines if you wish to fully immerse yourself in the Sassi.
For visitors with mobility issues, it's advisable to plan your route carefully, perhaps focusing on the more accessible areas or utilizing local transport where possible. Many visitors find that the effort is well worth the reward of experiencing such a unique and ancient city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit